Hubert Haundsmidt Memorial Cup 2025 Match Report

On Saturday, March 15th, the annual rugby showdown between Westray and the BaBas for the Hubert Haundsmidt Memorial Cup took place in Westray.

Despite mixed weather conditions, players and spectators alike enjoyed a day of competitive and entertaining rugby.

The Ba Bas made the brave journey across the water on the Nordic Sea that morning—a possible warning sign for Westray of the determined opposition they would soon face

Photos: Julian Preston

First Half

With an earlier-than-planned kickoff, this reporter unfortunately missed the opening 15 minutes. However, reports indicate that it was an action-packed start, featuring an early try for the Ba Ba’s and a sin-bin for Westray’s No. 2, Billy Elliot.
Contrary to what some might assume, this wasn’t due to an impromptu ballet performance but rather a high tackle. Billy later blamed the referee, claiming he had to leap over the ref’s foot, resulting in the unfortunate tackle around his opponent’s neck.

When I arrived, Westray was pinned deep in their own half, defending doggedly on their five-yard line. Despite their efforts, the Ba Ba’s broke through again, scoring a second try which was successfully converted.

Westray eventually found their rhythm, putting together solid phases of play, including strong passing and rucking.
Their efforts were rewarded with a well-worked try, followed by a successful conversion.

This seemed to lift their spirits, leading to some impressive attacking play. However, proceedings took an unexpected turn when Charlie Rendall was wiped out—by his own teammate, the towering Adam Baird.

Charlie had to leave the pitch to recover, making way for Westray’s super sub, Marcus Firth. Despite this being his first-ever contact rugby match, Marcus threw himself into tackles with such intensity that some questioned whether he was truly a novice.

As the game continued, Westray’s Scott Cooper made a blistering break, surging past defenders with ease. Unfortunately, this unfamiliar feeling of open space seemed to confuse him, and instead of cruising over the try line, he ran directly into a Ba Ba defender just a meter short.

The resulting ruck led to a Ba Ba’s penalty, and in the next passage of play, Adam Baird—against all odds—caught a kick, bulldozed through a few defenders half his size, and powered over the line for another converted try.

In the dying moments of the first half, the BaBas’ restart kick went straight to Connor Crawford, who charged forward, fending off defenders before offloading to Baird once again. This time, however, exhaustion seemed to get the better of him, as he threw the ball straight into touch—though he later insisted it was an intentional pass.

Half-time score: Westray 14 – BaBa’s 14

Second Half

Westray started the second half with promise, reclaiming possession early on. However, a knock-on in contact allowed the BaaBaas to counter, moving the ball swiftly through the hands to score another converted try. Westray’s momentum began to falter, and the Ba Ba’s capitalized with another converted score.

As Westray restarted, Scott Cooper—still riding the adrenaline from his earlier break—launched himself into the air, mistiming his tackle and taking out a Ba Ba’s player mid-jump.
The penalty was kicked deep into Westray territory, leading to a scrappy passage of play. Knock-ons, scrums, and turnovers defined the next few minutes, sapping the energy of both forward packs.

Eventually, the Ba Ba’s found another opening and crossed the line once more, though the conversion attempt was unsuccessful.

Westray’s restart kick went straight out, handing the Ba Ba’s a midfield scrum. Their backs, confident and elusive, weaved through Westray’s defense like show ponies, but Westray’s defenders stood firm. Unfortunately, their resilience wasn’t enough to prevent yet another try, which was duly converted.

With spirits needing a lift, Westray’s Kieran Muir took matters into his own hands. Seizing possession, he charged forward with sheer determination, dragging multiple defenders along for the ride. Some likened his run to that of the legendary Jonah Lomu, as opponents clung to him in vain.

Inspired by this show of brute strength, Westray put together a fluid attacking move, culminating in a powerful finish from Robbie Fergus, who crashed over for a well-earned try. The reliable Magnus Risbridger slotted the conversion.

During this phase of play, Westray introduced their true super sub, Simon Parry. At nearly 70 years old, his shorts should have been gold. Up until this point, the oldest player on the pitch had been BaaBaas veteran Rob T, who must be well into retirement age.

As the match neared its conclusion, the BaBa’s controlled possession, keeping the ball deep in Westray’s half. The highlight of the closing minutes came from Marcus Firth, who pulled off an incredible try-saving tackle—an impressive feat for a first-time contact player.

However, the Ba Ba’s ultimately broke through once more, scoring a final converted try before the referee blew for full-time.

Final Score: Westray 21 – Ba Ba’s 54

Man of the Match

• Westray: Robbie Fergus
• BaaBaas: Ali Morgan

Acknowledgments
On behalf of both teams, I’d like to extend a huge thank you to:

• Derek Robb for refereeing the match
  
• Orkney Ferries, Westray Community Association, and Westray Development Trust for their support
  
• Janice Kirkness of Mrs K’s Kitchen for preparing a fantastic post-match meal, enjoyed by all

Another great day of rugby in Westray—here’s to next year’s rematch.

Wan Step