Internal Rugby Report | 2nd XV Trial Game 4-3-23

5/3/2023

ORKNEY RFC 2nd XV Trials. Played at KGS on the 4th of March 2023.

In preparation for the much anticipated visit to Orkney by Skye Rugby Club, Erland & Jono organised a training and trial session at the school pitch.

The trial was spilt into four sessions of 15 minutes, with coaches, Erland and Jono making substitutions and rebalancing the sides. Turnout was impressive with 34 players turning out in hope of being picked for the match on the 11th.

Photos: Orkney Photographic

The key aspect of the first 15 minutes was the dominance of the Red’s scrummaging. They were however unable to make the most of their height advantage in the lineout as a result of some quite loose tap backs.

As the players warmed up the tackling improved and the frequency of knock-ons reduced. Both teams were now playing expansive rugby with all positions involved and tries being scored wide in the corners.

The weather was still and dry, so it was pleasing that the kicking was limited, and it was all purposeful. Wasps defensive tackling, particularly around their 5 meter line was strong and Paul Georges excelled by putting in three tackles in quick succession to drive the Reds to the touchline.

As the coaches made changes for the third session, the game become more even and tighter around the packs; with mauling and rucking executed well throughout the contest. Both standoffs were made good use of the blindside.

Despite the final score, Reds 22-5 Wasps the third and fourth session of the trial were very even.
With the level of effort and the standard of rugby being high the selectors will have a difficult task in picking the team to play Skye.

Try Scorers:

Reds: Connor Mackenzie, Grant Nicol, Silas Cox, Keith Holland, Con: Ryan Mooney.
Wasps: Jacob Urgias

Men of the Match: