Match Report | Caithness Krakens v Orkney Dragons 2-10-21

4/10/2021

Tennent's Caledonia North Region Women’s League
Thurso - Saturday 2nd October 2021
Caithness Krakens 38, Orkney Dragons 52

Saturday 2nd October saw Orkney dragons travel to Caithness to take on the Caithness Krakens.Caithness has a new team, made up of some former Orkney players.

The day saw friends become opposition in a game that was very much of two halves.

Photo: James Gunn

Despite the sea legs Orkney came out looking strong and confident, but were caught off guard by the powerful headwind and Caithness’ determination in the first 20 minutes.

Caithness came out strong, with a lot of powerful ball carriers knocking Orkney back from the starting blocks with a very defensive first quarter for the dragons.

Scoring went to 12-0 quickly, Angela Shearer and her fast footwork came in with Orkney’s first try of the game bringing it to 12-5.
However after the first 20 minutes Caithness led by 24-5.

Orkney we’re not to be defeated.
The first half saw Shaynee Moar with some powerful carries, breaking through Caithness defence and over the try line bringing the score to 24-10.

Orkney’s backs were warmed up and ready for some action which saw Donna Wilson, sprint the ball from the half way line over the try line, with a conversion from Shaynee.

Orkney forwards started to show the strength and determination they had up their sleeves, with some big carries from Stacey Tualasea and Naomi Bremner, allowing the ball to be shipped out wide to the backs. Caithness defensive line came up quick allowing Donna Wilson to chip the ball over them, after a bounce it was caught by Alice Tait and carried over the try line.

Bringing the score to 24-24 at half time.

The second half saw Orkney dominate. Big plays from both the forwards and the backs.
Both Sara Duffy and Rebecca Scott jackled and stole the ball from Caithness stopping what would have been two very likely try opportunities for Caithness.

The second half saw more control and structure from Orkney allowing for a lot more try scoring opportunities.

The dragon’s lineouts were without fault, allowing a lot of forward play, which enabled Joanne Rendall to nip over the try line, and open the scoring for the second half.
Orkney’s defensive line was strong, putting pressure on the Caithness side resulting in some messy handling, allowing Rebecca to intercept and pop the ball to Paige Archibald for her to sprint half the pitch with ease and pop the ball over the line.

Katie Allison picked up some speed, knocking several defensive players to the ground in what was sure to be a try - unfortunately Caithness’ defensive were solid and the ball was popped to another dragon, carried through some quick play and after a hard hit it was knocked on over the try line.

Further tries in the second half from Alice Tait, Stacey tualasea, and another 2 for Paige Archibald. With 2 more conversions from Shaynee Moar.

Unfortunately the game was not without injuries, which allowed both teams to utilise their bench, and give game time to some of both teams newer players.

Emma Staunton came on early in the first half for her debut for Orkney, making an instant impact on the pitch with her big ball carries.
Jessie Payne came on in the second half for Orkney, and showed Caithness what she was made of, with some impressive defensive work and big tackles.

Caithness Krakens very much held their own throughout the game with their new team in only their second competitive league game.
Unfortunately for them, Orkney dragons fighting spirit and team work shone through allowing them to do what they do best, in working hard and collectively in gaining a very respectable and deserved win.

Final score Caithness Krakens 24 - 56 Orkney dragons.

Team led by coach - Sean Corrigall

Women of the Match