Friday night saw Orkney firsts head off for their last away game of the season for what should have been a straightforward trip with time to spare.  Unfortunately the boys were in for an unscheduled cruise around the North Sea before docking in Rosyth at 6.15pm, instead of 7am in Aberdeen.  Luckily Glen and Neil while not travelling managed to re arrange the bus (changing room) to pick us up and take us up to Strathmore, arriving after 8pm changed and as ready as we could be for an 8.40pm kick off under the floodlights

The team again had a few changes the Douglas Montgomery coming to join Erland and Lee in the front row, while Steven Paterson joined Sinky in the second.  David Leask, Kevin Pepper and Andy completed the pack.  Ian Rushbrook retained his place at scrum half, while John Dearness returned at stand off.  Robert Foubister and Brian Linklater started on the wings with James Linklater at full back.  The centres were the tried partnership of Spence and Watson, but with Rodney picking up an injury on Thursday night it was Trevor Spence who got his first start of the season.  Rob Thomson was joined by Gary Burton returning after injury and George Thomson making his third attempt at playing for the firsts.

The pitch was wet with little grass cover making conditions difficult, but Orkney were determined to put on a good solid show, as were Strathmore who had a good support of around 200 watching fuelled by the long wait in the bar before kick off.

Strathmore went on the attack from the kick off but were meet with solid defence, Monty for one showing that he was unlucky to be earning his first cap of the season, with a solid tackle on the Strathmore no.8.  Strathmore opened the scoring with a try from the big second row, which was quickly followed by one from the Strathmore’s frequent scoring centre.  Both conversions were missed, the kicker not helped by under foot conditions.  Strathmore completed the scoring for the first half with another unconverted try, (15 – 0). 

Gary Burton and Rob Thomson came on at half time to freshen up the pack.  Any hopes that the Orkney boys had for a come back after getting rid of their sea legs were dashed within a minute of kick off as Strathmore scored another unconverted try.  John Dearness picked up his second knock to the neck and had to leave the pitch to allow George Thomson to gain his long awaited first cap for Orkney.  He marked the occasion with an impressive display of defending with more than one try saving tackle.  Unfortunately most of Orkneys work was in defence, although there were a few good rumbles up the park, no score was to come.  Strathmore finished the game with a late couple of tries, one of which was converted.  Final score 32 – 0.  Congratulations to Strathmore on winning the league.  Revenge will be on the cards next year.

The whole Orkney squad played well despite the preparation being far from ideal.  The new boys came in and quickly settled with solid displays from Monty Trevor and George.  Ian Rushbrook had another good game at scrum half but Andy McGill won man of the match for his usual display of 110% commitment both in attack and defence.

Thanks must go to Strathmore for having floodlights and waiting all day for us to turn up.  Also First group, for quickly re organising the bus and second driver, for the second trip North to Thurso in as many weeks.  Pentland ferries for getting us home on the last stage of the trip.  Northlink for keeping us informed and providing a Satellite phone so we could keep in touch when mobile signals failed.  The pipe band for providing the musical entertainment on the boat, assisted by Monty and John Dearness.  Finally to the whole squad for their display on the park, all done without much complaining.  Thanks boys, no more away trips until next season.