Match Report: Dragons v Banff Ladies 29-9-18

Tennent's Women's North League
Banff, Saturday 29th September 2018
Banff RFC 10, Orkney Dragons 39​​

Orkney Dragons made their first away trip of the Tennent’s Women’s North League to Banff RFC. On a sunny but blustery day at Duff House Gardens the Dragons were keen to show improvements from their last game against Inverness Craig Dunain.
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It was clear from the outset that Banff, bolstered by players from their neighbouring teams Peterhead and Fraserburgh, were going to be tougher opposition than in previous encounters. Stacey Tualasea opened the scoring after a well timed pop from Orkney 9 Charlene Nicol and it wasn’t long before she was over the white wash again for her second try built from a sustained Orkney forwards attack.

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Despite the scoring Orkney were yet to find their best legs and play had been chaotic and scrappy however the Dragons found their structure and showed a period of excellent phase play with the Backs putting on a show of simple rugby played well resulting in Paige Archibald running in three tries under the posts in quick succession. Hannah Cursiter was able to comfortably slot in two conversions leaving the score at 29-0

Banff didn’t let their spirits dampen and just before the half time whistle Isla Jack slipped through the sleeping Orkney defence for their first points.

Orkney continued to pile the pressure on their opposition in the second half particularly in the scrums with the front row- Rachal Thomson, Sandra Davey and Laura Baillie causing problems for Banff. Laura Bailey as tight head prop in particular, stealing their ball with some cunning hooking. Orkney were able to move the ball up the park quickly with good team work coming from the both the backs and forwards. Nikita Scollie burst through the Banff defence to score closely followed by a Lucy Flett try in the corner putting the score at 39-5.
Credit must go to Banff for their unrelenting determination and they came back well in the last quarter with Isla Jack scoring her second try of the game catching Orkney on the back foot once again.

Still with plenty of fight in them Banff carried on their attack against what looked like a tiring Orkney side but their last efforts were thwarted with Orkney successfully holding up a try attempt from senior player Bobbie Jack.
Orkney were soon back in the Banff 22 piling on the pressure but with just seconds on the clock and Orkney with an injured player down on the pitch it was mutually agreed to call full time. Final score 10-39
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Dragon’s Captain Beki Russell commented “We played a great game. Maintained a positive attitude and worked well together. Absolutely delighted with the team win and very proud”
Orkney Queen of the Team was awarded to Jennifer Scott

​Thank you to John Cairns for accompanying the team as coach and Northlink Ferries for their continued sponsorship of all travelling Orkney RFC squads for the 2018/19 season.

Orkney Squad: Rachal Thomson, Sandra Davey, Laura Baillie, Jo Inkster, Jennifer Scott, Lucy Flett, Stacey Tualasea, Beki Russell (C), Charlene Nicol, Hannah Cursiter, Yvonne Rendall, Rebecca Scott, Paige Archibald (VC) Tiphanie Cazaneve, Megan Foubister, Amy King, Florence Ungaro, Nikita Scollie, Ali Marwick, Karen Allen