Hard played draw in tough conditions for Dragons

Tennent's Women's North League
Lerwick, Sunday 7th October 2018
Shetland Women 5, Orkney Dragons 5

Orkney Dragons took on Shetland Women in Lerwick this Sunday in the Tennant’s Women’s North League. To describe the weather as challenging would be an understatement as conditions verged on diabolical at times. The high winds and torrential rain were set to dictate the style of play for both teams. Orkney had travelled with their new training tops sponsored by WB Sutherlands, which some of the ladies chose to wear under their strips to protect them from the worst of the weather, while the fresh legs on the bench were kept cosy in the new sub jackets sponsored by Highland Park. Both are most welcome additions to the kit this season.

With the weather as it was, it was expected that Shetland would keep Orkney pinned down in their own 22, but this didn’t seem to be the case and a battle of physicality ensued up and down the pitch. Orkney persistently tried to ship the ball wide but again, due to the weather, there were a few handling errors, scrappy balls and many scrums.

The stalemate continued and although Orkney pressured the Shetland try line a few times, Shetland’s defence and Orkney’s infringements at the ruck denied them a try in the first half. The battle continued towards the half time whistle and with Shetland receiving a warning for several high tackles, it did seem like Orkney might push through for some points on the board. Unfortunately this was not the case and half time came without a score for either team.

Orkney had the wind with them in the second half and they came out firing on all cylinders determined to use this to their advantage. An impressive kick down field from Hannah Cursiter resulted in a Shetland knock on. Orkney held their scrum and the ball went out through the backs to Dawn Simison who cut a devastating line through Shetland, scoring just left of the posts.

What followed was an impressive attack from the Shetland forwards as they battered the ball up the park with a barrage of “pick and goes“. For a full 20 minutes the Dragons sustained a strong defence; Sandra Davey proving particularly difficult to get past. Orkney turned over the ball for Hannah Cursiter to kick clear, only for Shetland to come right back at them. Finally, from a well executed rolling maul, Shetland were able to peel off, ship the ball wide around an injured player and score an equalising try.

Final score 5-5.

Coach Gary Nicolson said: “the game was very tough for both teams. Poor weather conditions made handling very difficult but on the whole I think the result was a fair one. With Shetland’s strong start to the season I think Orkney showed a good account of themselves and proved to be strong opposition for the rest of the league”

Captain Beki Russell and Nikita Scollie received Queen of the Team awards and Charlene Nicol was chosen by Shetland as their Orkney player of the day.