“Champagne Rugby” from Orkney U16s

Caledonia North Under 16 Division
Morriston Park, Elgin - Saturday 14th September 2013
Final Score: Moray RFC U16s 5 - Orkney RFC U16s 37

A squad of sixteen boys travelled down to Elgin on the 14th of September 2013 for the ORFC U16s’ second game of the season. They were keen to build on their strong win against Stornoway the previous week.

In warm, sunny conditions, Orkney received the kick off and the first fifteen minutes were hard-fought with relentless rucking and tackling. 

Orkney were losing out in early scrums and lineouts, but Sam Croy settled early nerves with a try in the corner. He did well to convert it from a tight angle. Moray responded instantly with a try following excellent running from their forwards. They were unlucky not to convert their try as the ball rebounded off the posts. 
The Orkney forwards came back with strong rucking releasing James Nicolson to score under the posts with Sam Croy again converting. In the final ten minutes of the first half, Orkney became frustrated at some refereeing decisions and lost their focus, conceding needless penalties, but managed to keep Moray away from their try line for the remainder or the half. 

The half time score was: Moray 5 - Orkney 14.

Tactical advice from coaches Billy Elliot and Graham Scott and a stern talking to from captain, Cameron Gray at half time, motivated the team and they played the second half with determination and focus. 
Within the first two minutes Sam Croy scored his second try of the game, and his third conversion. Liam Thomson then took a knock and Orkney’s only sub, Jordan Basford took to the field. He played an exceptional half with hard, accurate tackles and strong running.
 
Orkney were now dominating play with flair and confidence. Strong runs from Orkney’s backs created opportunities, one of which was seized by Cameron Gray, who claimed another try for the Orkney side. 
Orkney’s dominance was momentarily tested when Moray won a lineout close to Orkney’s try line. Orkney’s defence stood firm and, under pressure, Ciaran Drever kicked Orkney to safety. Ciaran was now kicking brilliantly and created the opportunity for Sam Croy to score his third and convert his final try of the game.

The highlight, and final try, of the game came during a breakdown of play on the 50m line. Excellent counter-rucking from Orkney claimed the ball, which was skilfully recycled through seven sets of hands before a tackle brought down winger Tom Gordon. Good presentation and forward movement ensured a clean pass from Orkney’s scrum-half Ali Morgan, to Ciaran Drever whose flawless kick was gathered by Fergus Macivor who scored the final points of the game. In the words of Billy Elliot, it was “champagne rugby.” 

The game ended 37-5 to the Orkney U16s.

The whole team performed to a very high standard and any individual could have been awarded man of the match. In this instance, it was awarded by the players to Sam Kennedy for his consistent strong tackling and hard running. Next weekend a tough challenge awaits, as the U16s play Highland RFC at home.

Match Report by James Nicolson