MATCH REPORT | Dragons v Fraserburgh 4-2-23

Invergordon, Saturday 4 February 2023
Orkney Dragons 45 v Fraserburgh Ladies 0

There were numerous weather forecast checking, boat changes, player changes and that was before we left Orkney.

On the pitch there was good team work, good communication, a few players getting feisty, box kicks, gregans, interceptions, tries, conversions and even an undone bra strap which I’m sure those who wear bras will understand the level of fear that puts into you.

Orkney Dragons travelled to Ross Sutherland for a double header against Fraserburgh Ladies. A double header is where one result will be applied for two games. As mentioned, the Orkney weather was playing its part making the team on edge questioning if they will get away.

It was a dreitch day doon the road and players were soaked during the warm up. As usual it took the team a blink to settle and find structure.

The forwards were finding their form, carrying the ball well, however, unsecured rucks and good jackling from Fraserburgh meant there were a few turnover balls. Due to the ball being wet there were a few handling errors in the backs.

The team settled and after the disappointment of a frozen pitch last weekend the players found their determination and had their game heads on.

The first half tries came from good structured play with the forwards carrying the ball well drawing in the opposition allowing space out wide.

Simple passing the ball through the hands by the backs and a last minute pass from Captain Donna Wilson at outside centre, released full back Tiphaine Cazenave to two tries.

The third try between Tiphaine’s was a set piece the forwards have been working on. A ‘rumble’ saw prop Emma Staunton reach over the line.

Fatigue started to show in the second half and Fraserburgh Ladies used that to their advantage. They were tackling strong, turning over the ball at rucks and were more switched on to a loose ball.

A break in play, the Dragons reset and more ties were added to the tally.

Vice Captain, Hannah Cursiter, who has made inside centre her own this season, powered through a gap in Fraserburgh’s defence with a timely pass from stand-off Rebecca Scott.

Due to player availability we called upon our pals fae across the water, Caithness Krakens. Emmerleigh Smith pulled on the Dragons top again. She played for the Dragons before the Krakens were formed. The experienced Helen Richard also joined us and fitted in well. Summer Burnett used to be on placement in Orkney and continues to be part of the team for away games.

These three forwards added to the tries by strong ball carrying and reaching over the line. We thank them for coming to play for us.

Injury on the Fraserburgh side meant we had to adopt Game On Principles and played 13-a-side. This didn’t phase the team and continue to pressurise in the attacking ‘22.

Nikita Scollie converted five tries, bringing the score to 45-0. A double header meaning the score, to cover two games, is 90-0.

With an improved defensive line, the Dragons kept a clean scoresheet. Something the players have been working hard on showed on the day.

However the set piece where Orkney dominated was the scrums. The lasses in red were very strong, turning over possession countless times.

Nikita Scollie was voted for forwards Queen of the Team and oppositions player of the match. A solid performance, excellent ball carries and good supportive play shown through.

Ailsa Drever was voted for backs Queen of the Team. A fantastic performance on the wing, strong tackles, she didn’t miss one, stopping Fraserburgh’s runners making the full backs job easy.

Coach Sean “Tattie” Corrigall maintains his 100% win record as coach with the team. We thank him for coming away with us and keeping us motivated and focused.

Thank you to Ross Sutherland for their hospitality and to Fraserburgh Ladies meeting on mutual ground.

The Dragons are now in the Sarah Beaney Plate with two home and two away games. Next up we look forward to Strathmore coming to Orkney on Saturday 18 February 2023 and hope to see many supporters there.

Photo:
Back row l-r: Jessica Thomson, Emma Staunton, Tiphaine Cazenave, Donna Wilson (C), Hannah Cursiter (VC), Katie Allison, Ailsa Drever, Sandra "the legend" Davey, Charlene Nicolson.

Front row l-r: Summer Burnett, Nickie Milne, Skye Taylor, Emmerleigh Smith, Helen Richard, Marion Ratier, Nikita Scollie, Rebecca Scott, Sean Rendall Corrigall.


D.W.