Match Report | Dragons v Turriff 13-9-23

Saturday 13 September 2025 was the Dragons first game of the season in Caledonia North Division 2 against Turriff Ladies.

Unfortunately two teams have withdrawn so it is undecided how the league will progress but until then the fixtures remain as planned.

Photo: Bruce Flett

Before the game started, everyone present held a minute’s silence in memory for Rab Muir. A very much loved coach, who loved rugby, loved the Dragons, had the most infectious laugh to brighten up anyone’s day. This game was for him and we know he would have been proud of the performance today.

New kit, new team, new coaching set up, new balls (thanks to Orkney Prostate Awareness), new captains, new caps and a few pair of new boots! Is this the year of the Dragons come back?

Having faced Turriff last season the Dragons knew it would be a competitive game and that it was. Despite the scoreline, the team, in their new kit generously sponsored by Alison Moore Jewellery, had to work for their win.

Facing the sun to start, something that hasn’t changed is the team taking a minute to find their rhythm and scope out the opposition.

Debuting in the senior game at age 17, is one of Orkney’s rising rugby stars, Cailynn Williamson who in the number 10 position exploited gaps in Turriff’s defence but was closed down well. This early attacking threat set the tone for the remainder of the game.

Heading towards the other end of the age scale was the machine Sandra Davey who bulldozed through some Turriff players showing the new caps how it’s done. These phases of play unfortunately resulted in an injury for Turriff and with ‘game on principles’ applied, the Dragons had to number match and it was now 14 a side.

This did not phase the Dragons and with the ball getting in the hands of the backs, winger Catherine Green had an excellent break supported well by outside centre Amy Walker who finished the job getting the first try of the game.

It wasn’t long after this that Walker and Green were in action once more establishing a new duo to watch out for. This time fullback Tiphaine Cazenave provided the support and weaved her way the through the Turriff defence to squeeze over the line.

Unfortunately Turriff were subject of another injury meaning it was 13 players each. On the reverse of last time, it was Turriff who settled better in the new formation. Having strong scrums and lineouts throughout the game, they made use of their forward pack over the line to bring the score to 12-5.

One of Turriff’s injured players was declared fit to return to the pitch, play changed possession like a yo-yo. Turriff were more switched on than the Dragons in the rucks and gained a few steals. They then used their momentum to break with their number 12 and 13 making superb runs. However the Dragons gained a few steals of their own with Jess Thomson completing a jackal at a crucial moment of the game.

Turriff’s captain Isla Geddes was always going to be a threat and that she was. Making timely runs, spotting gaps in the Dragons defensive using good feet work and evasion skills, she made her way down the pitch. Unfortunately she could not capitalise on this in the first half.

Before half time there was a flurry of excitement and adrenaline for the Dragons as they continued their attacking streak. Green was once again shining in the first half and being rewarded with a try. This was followed by another try by Cazenave to complete half time.

The Dragons continued into the second half as they finished the first and were soon over the try line once again. A ‘rumble’ was called where the forwards put in a lot of work. However it was new cap, Fay Morrice who flew over the line for her first Dragons try.

Once again some injuries occurred and teams had to reduce in players. This along with fatigue also now showing on both sides, space in the defensive lines began to appear. This is dangerous especially when the ball gets into vice captain, Nikita Scollie’s hands! Using her strength, power and pace, there was only going to be one outcome of a well deserved try.

Play continued to get a bit scrappy on both sides with both teams making unforced errors. However it was Turriff who kept their structure better than the Dragons. There was a scuffle on the ground with both teams stopping waiting for a foul to be called but a loose ball and no ref whistle, Shearer scooped up the ball and carried on. Soon closed down, she passed the ball to Cady Denoon, who was carrying well throughout, scored another try for the Dragons.

Not to let the extended score deter Turriff, a textbook interception by Geddes ran just over half the pitch, under the posts to get a very deserved try for their resilience. Her efforts were rightly applauded by the home crowd. Her try was converted.

Looking to get as many points on the scoreboard as possible, Scollie added a second try. A penalty was awarded 5m from the try line. The forwards set up but a quick tap and carry she was over the line.

In true Turriff determined fashion, they reacted strongly. A few ruck steals, strong lineouts as previously mentioned, they used their phases well continually pushing the Dragons backwards. The Dragons got drawn in to the ball rather than watching their opponents and with quick hands, Turriff were over the line once more. A very well worked try taking advantage of the Dragons complacency.

With the clock ticking away, the Dragons were able to squeeze in a couple more tries. This time a scrum in the attacking 22 for the Dragons was an 8 pick and go by Scollie followed by a pop to scrum half Shearer. With some pressure, she just managed to get the ball down.

The last try of the game was a fantastic run by Walker. Turriff having reacted to the last try, were very close to scoring again. A turnover in the ‘22 was popped to Walker who ran full length of the pitch under the posts to conclude the game.

Despite the scoreline, Turriff put up a cracking fight with strong rucking, scrums and lineouts. Their forwards were strong ball carriers and their backs were nippy. Turriff’s scrum half was quick on the ball making the Dragons defence disorganised.

A special mention must go to the Dragons under 18s making their first senior cap, Cailynn Williamson and Gracie McLeod. Williamson converted 7 out of 10 tries and got the ball to the backs well. Although not mentioned above, McLeod was a standout with her fearless tackling and defensive work rate. Chloe Prescott, with some previous rugby experience, fitted in effortlessly in the Dragons, making hard tackles, solid runs and creating try scoring opportunities. To the new caps on both sides, they all did brilliantly!

Huge thanks to Turriff for travelling up and to Glen McLellan for reffing. Our mascot today was Ivy Livsey - her name will be mentioned in a write up in years to come! Watch this space. Today’s sponsor was Sutherlands Pharmacy and we thank them for their continued support.

Final result - Orkney Dragons 64 v Turriff Ladies 17

FOTM: Nikita Scollie
BOTM: Chloe Prescott
OOTM: Gracie McLeod


D.W.