Internal Rugby - 17th November 2012

Inter-county trial match

A disappointing turnout for the inter-county trial match with several players away at Murrayfield and several other withdrawing for work commitments meant that only 21 players took part. 

The match was played between the 22m line and the far 10m line across the pitch to increase the level of contact and reduce the space for folk to run into.  Despite this the game was still high scoring with break-downs difficult to come by without back-row forwards slowing things down and adding a bit of structure.  As it was much of the play from both sides was in ones and twos, and despite some good individual efforts both in defence in attach the game lacked any real shape.

On the plus side there were a couple of returning players: Craig Rendall and Adrian Bennett- both showing some skills we have been missing.  And four new players this season who are showed up well: Uvis Gurauskis, Mareks Straupenieks, Tim Libicki and Daniel Kirkness – each putting in their tackles in defence and having a go when given the chance in attack.

That said it was the experienced players that made the impact on the score board: Calum Rendall (4), Al Watson (3), Michael Allan (2), Magnus Currie (2), Kyle Robb (2), Scott Cooper (2), Robert Wilson, Trevor Spence and Brian Inkster.  Calum Rendall was probably the pick of the bunch as he went through is repertoire of back row skills. 

The Reds were winners on the day by 11 tries to 7, but congratulations for all those who attended and took advantage of the game time to hone their skills for Shetland.  Bit thank you also to Fraser McNaughton for refereeing the match.

Red: Mathew Lynch, Craig Rendall, Michael Allan, Calum Rendall, Steven Bruce, Magnus Currie, Kyle Robb, Trevor Spence, Adrian Bennett, Mareks Straupenieks, Tim Libicki.

Blue: Trevor Johnston, Brian Inkster, Robert Wilson, Derek Nicolson, Alan Pirie, Al Watson, Scott Cooper, Daniel Kirkness, Adam Hill, Uvis Gurauskis.

Inter-County this weekend coming: away to Shetland.  Travel arrangements: players asked to meet at Kirkwall airport on Friday 23 November at 17:45; public bus departs Sumburgh 19:50; accommodation at the Islesburgh Hostel; returning Sunday 25 November bus leaves Lerwick at 12:45; and flight lands at Kirkwall airport at 16:05.  Good luck Orkney.

Next internal match will be on December 1: Inter-County squad v Rest, KO tbc.

Match Report: Knighter