Match Report | Aberdeenshire Quines v Orkney Dragons 28-10-23

Caledonia North Region Women’s League
Aberdeen - Saturday 28th October 2023
Aberdeenshire Quines 32, Orkney Dragons 0

Continuing a rather sporadic start to the Caley North League 1 season the Orkney Dragons travelled to Aberdeen to play Aberdeenshire Quines.

Despite the extreme amounts of rain the North East had been experiencing the pitch at Woodside was in remarkably good condition.

The Dragons had travelled with a depleted squad of 14 but three keen rugby players from Garioch, Mackie and Turriff respectively had kindly agreed to help the team out. Coral, Nikita and Sarah slotted into the team without issue.

Conditions were grim- a stiff breeze and steady rain made for difficult handling however Orkney's pack dominated in the scrum allowing Nikita Scollie to make strong carries from the back of the scrum.

The ball struggled to make it out to the Dragons wings mostly due to the Quines lightning speed at the ruck and successful jackalling. Then proving to be especially adept at moving the ball wide they were able find the space to score in the outside channels.

Credit must go to Orkney’s defence for not allowing Quines to force up the middle resulting in only one try being successfully converted. Unfortunately the Dragons fell foul of the stricter tackling rules conceding penalties for high tackles.

Once Orkney settled they found their feet a little . Scrumhalf Aleisha Womack slowed the play and the team played some structure showing patience through the phases. They carried the ball through the Quines defence and bullied it across the line only to have it held up.

Quines then proceeded to give a display of impressive expansive rugby. Moving the ball quickly into space and scoring confidently. The Dragons continued to play with spirit and determination, with only one substitute their endurance held up right to the end.

Aleisha kicked confidently and Katie Allison new to jumping in the lineout either stole or spoiled Quine’s ball again and again. With 15 minutes to go Aleisha sustained an injury to her knee bringing her outstanding performance to end.

The Dragons were unanimous in their decision to keep playing even though Quines declined the request to player match. Inspired by her team’s enthusiasm Dragon Coach Jo Inkster came on and joined the back line at outside centre and Shaynee Moar stepped over to 9.

At the full time whistle the score stood at 32-0. The Dragons never did manage to score their much sought after try but it wasn’t from lack of hard work. Every member of the team put everything they had out on the pitch for 80 minutes but sadly it wasn’t quite enough against a fast clean passing Quines.

Charlotte French and Katie Allison were awarded Dragon QoTs and Quines gave their vote to Aleisha Womack whose tenacious play was far beyond her years.

Dragons Squad: Emma Staunton Sandra Davey Nickie Milne Grace MacGregor Sarah Smith, Alana Smith, Katie Allison, Nikita Scollie Aleisha Womack Hannah Cursiter, Ali Marwick Shaynee Moar, Charlotte French, Coral Nobel, Angela Shearer, Nikita Timony. Coach Jo Inkster

ToJo