Match Report | Caithness Krakens v Orkney Dragons 1-4-23

Sunday 2nd April saw Orkney Dragons travel across the water to take on rivals Caithness Krakens in a rescheduled fixture.

Team being led out by Hannah Cursiter, who is the first Orkney women’s player to celebrate her 50th cap.

Orkney met a strong well structured Caithness side, who came out of the blocks hard.

Photo: Jennifer Scott

Video: George Brown (subscribe to channel for future notifications)

Orkney received the kick running up hard and were met with big tackles and well rehearsed tackles from strong Caithness forwards which resulted in numerous turnover balls- thus allowing Caithness to be rewarded with well worked tries.

Orkney were not to be outdone- some big carries from forwards Anna Campbell and Nickie Milne aided Orkney in making good ground, allowing the backs to show off their skills resulting in Aleisha Womack running quarter of the pitch to place the ball over the line for Orkneys first try. Converted by Nikita Scollie.

At half time the score stood at 21-7 to the home side.

The second half saw Orkney come back fighting, with improved line speed, allowing forwards like Stacey Tualasea to dominate in defence.

However Caithness fought back just as hard with their strong number 8, former Orkney dragons player, Emmie Smith breaking the line and slotting in tries for her side. As ever The Dragons lifted their heads and didn’t allow the Caithness lead to rattle them.

Defence continued to improve, seeing Orkneys experienced scrum half, Charlene Nicolson, apply pressure on her opposing number at scrums and breakdowns giving her the opportunity to nip round the side of the scrum breaking the line and making good ground into the Caithness 22 only to be caught a metre away from the try line.

The dragons adapted to the changes in play and played a more reactive second half. Strong forwards worked hard to retain the ball, allowing backs Donna Wilson and Rebecca Scott to play some fast well timed rugby down the line before Hannah Cursiter crashed over the try line for Orkneys second try of the day. Again successfully converted by Nikita.

Unfortunately for Orkney, Caithness were the better team on the day and they walked away with a well earned 38-14 win.

The dragons would like to thank- Caithness for their hospitality, Don Tualasea for coaching, George Brown (rohallion Orkney) for his live stream allowing home supporters to watch, and as always the referee for giving up his time.

QOTM
Forwards- Sandra Daveys
Backs- Aleisha Womack
Oppositions QOTM - Angela Shearer

Jennifer Scott