Match Report | Culbean Cup - U14s Away v Huntly 9-3-24

On Saturday the 9th of March, 22 players from the Orkney U14 section travelled down to Huntly for a game in the Culbean Cup. Kick off was at 11am at the Gordon Schools playing field.

Orkney made a good start to the match, with a strong run from our no 8 Ruairidh, moving to fullback Orrin who was held up on the Huntly line.

Team Photo: Erland Drever

​Play restarted and Orkney again advanced into the Huntly half, with our first try coming from the “Stronsay Express” Wilbur, making an impact playing as a crash 12 again. Conversion was missed, score 5-0 to Orkney.

The second Orkney try came after a bursting run by hooker Reid, he was backed up by prop Halrco who rucked over to retain Orkney ball. The second try came after this passage of play for winger Tyler, who went over on the right wing. Conversion was missed, score 10-0 to Orkney.

The 3rd try came from Orkney's marauding fullback Orrin, who powered through the centre of the pitch for his first try of the day. A successful conversion by Kaelan made the score 17-0 to Orkney.

Huntly then went over for their first try to make the score 17-7, before no 8 Ruairidh crashed over under the posts for his first try for the U14s – well done Roo! The conversion by Kaelan made the score 24-7. Second Tries for Wilbur and Tyler followed, with conversions by Kaelan and Joel seeing Orkney lead 38-7 at half time.

Orkney started the second half well with Wilbur going over for his 3rd try of the match, Joel added the conversion to make the score 45-7. A try for Huntly followed, conversion was missed, making the score 45-12.

A 2nd try of the day for Orrin, now playing at centre, followed – Joel converted to make the score 52-12 to Orkney. Huntly scored again shortly after, with a cameo from Kaelan helping them for this making the score 52-19 after a successful conversion.

Winger Rory then went close for Orkney in another case of white line fever, had the boys looked to the other wing they had an overlap and runners available. This happened two or three times in the game and will be discussed at the next training session.

Orkney's final try came from scrum half Joel, with the conversion by Kaelan taking the score to 59-19. A final try for Huntly saw the game finish 59-24 to Orkney.

The second half saw all of Orkney's subs come on, with the power of George at hooker and Angus at flanker seeing Orkney win a scrum against the head – much to the delight of coach Erland Drever! Well done must be said to all the Orkney boys who volunteered to play for Huntly on the day, especially Scott who featured as a back for a change.

Coaches player went to no 9 Joel Hamilton, who had great game in open play, the scrum and from the kicking tee. Players player deservedly went to no 10 Ruari Wood, who linked play well, tried some kicks and kept Orkney on the front foot all game long. Great work guys.

Thank you to coach Liam and all at Huntly for hosting us and credit to Liam for an excellent carrot cake. The boys enjoyed their trip to Huntly almost as much as their shopping trip to union square in Aberdeen.

Whilst some boys went looking for mother's day presents, as instructed by their coaches, purchase of the day was made by winger Tyler who bought “fish slippers” for himself. They are proudly displayed by him in the team photo and were tested by members of the under 14 and 16 squad on the trip home!

A thank you also goes our to our sponsor, Northlink ferries for the breakfast for the squad.

Having won on this trip we will have a further fixture the weekend of 16/17 March, home vs Deeside in the "Culbean challenge cascade split Final"

Team Photo:

Back: Wilbur Bremner, Kaelan Spence, Scott Slater and Tyler Fitzpatrick.

Front: Thomas Corrigall, Joel Hamilton, Angus Inkster, Robbie Lyon, Sonny Wise, Einar Thomson, Orrin Dick, Ran Jackson, George Shearer, Ollie Leslie, Reid Drever, Balfour Williamson, Jonas Tualasea, Andrew Thomson (coach), Halcro Tait, Rory MacInnes, Ruairidh Wood and Dylan Squire.

Missing from photo: Ruari Wood

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