First Team Experience the Key to Success

9/2/2013

Internal Rugby Match Report: Dounby 9-2-13

Last Saturday saw a Kirkwall/East (Blues) combined side take on the West/Westray/Isles (Reds) select in perfect conditions in Dounby. The pitch could have done with a few more line markings but with full sides, and several First team squad members on either side, all was to play for.

The Reds started stronger and played to their strengths in the first five minutes, keeping the ball tight and driving forward around the fringes, making some good ground and retaining possession well. Unfortunately, for the Reds, this is a draining type of rugby to play for 80 minutes, and despite some spirited performances it ultimately showed.

The Blues on the other hand had a back line full of current First team players – and Tom Croy (back from Hong Kong to make up numbers!) – and every time the Blues got the ball away from the tight play they looked dangerous. The Reds failure to close down the Blues on the tackle line made it almost impossible to recover through scrambling defensive efforts.

And that in short was the tale of the match. Even the swapping of Tom Croy at half time failed to turn the fortunes of the match – jet lag clearly! The Blues continued to attack from deep and scored six tries in each half, the Reds only managing three in response. Scorers were: Tom Croy (2); Phillip Ross (3); Darren Mclean (2); Dennis Hayes (3); Derek Robb; and Gary Farquar for the Blues; Adam Baird; Graham Poke; and Tom Croy for the Reds.

The final score 70 – 15 to Kirkwall/East.

Kirkwall/East: Daniel Adams, Craig Rendall, Gary Coltherd, Derek Nicolson, Alan Pirie, Brian Linklater, Robbie Firth, Derek Robb, Magnus Flett, Phillip Ross, Adam Hill, Tom Croy, Darren Mclean, Dennis Hayes, Jack Siderfin, Gary Farquar.

West/Westray/Isles: Trevor Johnston, Erland Drever, Simon Owen, Mathew Lynch, Tim Libicki, Tom Spence, Brian Inkster, Adam Baird, Bruce Ruthven, Trevor Spence, Neil Lyon, Graham Poke, Graham Sclater, Uvis Gurauskis, Paul Johnston.

This weekends’ match, Saturday 16 February, is a trial match for the Currie Cup 10-a-side tournament the following week, and the last chance for players to impress their respective selectors. KO 12pm in Dounby. Meet at Club at 11am or at the Dounby Centre at 11.30. Anyone interested in taking part should contact me on 07881 505765 and make themselves available.

Knighter