Match Report | Carrick v Orkney 2-3-19

Tennent's National League Division 3
Carrick Academy, Maybole - Saturday 2nd March 2019
Carrick RFC 13, Orkney RFC 13​

The Orkney boys were well up for this game and decided to play into the wind in the first half. From the off Orkney had the lion's share of the possession and territory, but some solid defence from Carrick kept the boys from scoring.

Twenty minutes into the game the Orkney pressure finally paid off with quick hands from the number eight to the flanker who offloaded to Steven MacPhail on the wing and with a handoff and sidestep he touched down in the corners, Jon Tait missed the conversions.

Further Orkney pressure was rewarded with a penalty just outside the Carrick 22, Jon Tait slotted it over for an eight lead. From the kickoff Orkney knocked on and Carrick took full advantage scoring in the corner just before half time, the conversion was missed, half time 8. 5 Orkney.

Carrick started the second half with great determination and made several breaks into Orkney's half, despite some excellent cover tackles their pressure eventually paid off and they converted a penalty to make the scores level. Shortly after a further break by Carrick put them in the lead with another try out wide, the missed conversion took them into the lead for the first time 13. 8.

Orkney rallied well and after going through several phases on the Carrick five meter line loose head prop Craig Rendall barged over for the try, Jon Tait once again missed the conversion, this tied the score at thirteen all. Orkney had their danders up now and were going for the win, awarded a penalty James Linklater stepped up to the mark, but unfortunately pulled it to the left.

Further Orkney pressure saw them held up on the Carrick try line , but the home team defended well. Full time and the game ended in a draw, the win was in Orkney's sights but two points on the road against a well drilled team was a good result and the long journey home will be a happy one.

G.C.