Match Report | Dragons v West of Scotland 27-1-24

Orkney Dragons V West of Scotland
Saturday 27th January, KGS

Saturday saw the Orkney dragons play their first game of 2024. Starting the year with the first cup game in the Women's National Shield against West of Scotland.
WOS landed in Orkney and were greeted by your typical Orkney winters day weather.

The game kicked off at 230pm at KGS playing fields in wet and windy conditions.

A kick short of the 10m KO line saw Orkney start with possession from the first scrum of the day. A strong scrum from both sides to start the game. Orkney retained possession well, using both strong forwards and fast paced backs. However the mix of weather related handling errors and high pressure from WOS saw possession swap- WOS took this opportunity and shipped the ball wide and scored their first try of the game.

Orkneys defence was clearly much improved, and restricted WOS making any ground through them. However WOS read the strong defence line well, and used their opportunities to run wide and slip in a further 2 tries down the win, one of which was converted.

Wet conditions saw a very forward heavy game, with multiple scrums throughout.

Nikita Scollie attacked hard from the back of the scrum gaining ground until stopped in her tracks by a solid WOS defense.

Despite Orkneys best efforts, strong ball carrying from captain Emma Staunton backed up with secure rucks, possession swapped back and forth throughout the first half.

WOS slipped in 1 further converted try in the first half, leaving the score 0-24 at half time.

The weather eased for the second half, and a positive Orkney side kicked off.

WOS continued their structured play with strong ball carriers pushing Orkney back, allowing WOS to score a further 2 tries.

Orkney remained upbeat, and stole the ball on numerous occasions- with Rebecca Scott throwing herself onto loose ball on the ground and Hannah Cursiter stealing through the jackle.

Despite strong attack from Stacey Tualasea and Aleisha Womack, possession swapped and WOS ran another try in down the wing and scoring a converted try under the post.

At no point throughout the game did Orkney women look defeated, defense continued with pressure on the scrum from Orkney 9 Donna Wilson- followed by quick line speed from the rest of the dragons.

WOS took every opportunity given to them and slotted in a further 2 tries before the final whistle, making the final score 0-51

Today Orkney saw the return of some experienced players, first caps for new players and other players playing out of position.

Despite the score Orkney walk away pleased with their performance and have gained some valuable experience after playing a strong developed WOS side.

MOTM:
Forwards- Laura Baillie
Backs- Donna Wilson

Opposition MOTM:
Aleisha Womack

The Dragons as usual would like to thank coach- Sean Corrigall, the referee, this week’s sponsors - Deerness Distillery and those supporters who braced the weather and Of course West of Scotland for making the trip across.

J.S.