Match Report | Aberdeen University v Orkney Dragons 12-9-26

Arnold Clark Caledonia North Region Women’s League Division 2
Aberdeen, Saturday 12 September 2026
Aberdeen University 32, Orkney Dragons 42

For their first league game of the season, the Orkney Dragons travelled to Aberdeen to take on Aberdeen University in very warm, sunny conditions.

Receiving the kick-off, Orkney demonstrated excellent rugby from the outset, with fullback Aleisha Womack crossing the line for the opening try, successfully converted by Cailynn Williamson.

It was a forward-dominated first half, with powerful runs from Skye Wallhead-Taylor and Captain Nikita Scollie creating opportunities for Angela Shearer to break through the defence. With support from Catherine Green, it was once again Aleisha Womack who crossed the line for her second try, converted by Cailynn Williamson.

A few handling errors and a knock-on allowed Aberdeen University back into the game. After battling hard against a resolute Orkney defence, the home side crossed for their first try. The Dragons quickly responded with some strong support play and determined tackling, but Aberdeen's dangerous fullback continued to cause problems and ran in a second try to give the home side the advantage.

With Aberdeen University leading 25-14 at half-time, the Dragons knew they needed to reset and return to the basics in the second half.

Aberdeen University kicked off the second half, but several restart kicks failed to travel the required 10 metres. The Dragons capitalised on these errors, opting for scrums and establishing dominance through the set piece.

Orkney remained dominant in the scrum and used this platform to move the ball quickly through the backs. Their efforts were rewarded when Catherine Green crossed for another try, with Cailynn Williamson once again adding the conversion.

A strong forward pack led by Cady Dennon, Gemma Adam, making her first appearance for Orkney, Vice-Captain Nickie Milne and the returning Fay Morrice, alongside Alanna Smith, Sara Higgins, Skye Wallhead-Taylor and Nikita Scollie, provided the platform for the Dragons' comeback.

Further mistakes from Aberdeen University, combined with excellent line-out work from Sara Higgins and Alanna Smith, who consistently won and stole possession, kept the pressure firmly on the home side. The pressure paid off when Angela Shearer crossed for another Orkney try.

Despite being reduced to 14 players following a yellow card, the Dragons continued to attack. Strong carries from Cady Dennon, Nickie Milne and newcomer Lori Redman provided quality possession for the backs, along with first time senior cap Anne Smith allowing Angela Shearer to add another two tries to the scoreline.

In the final stages of the game, with Orkney restored to 15 players, a powerful run from Aleisha Womack saw her cross the line once more. Williamson maintained her perfect record from the tee, securing a deserved 42-32 victory and the Dragons' first league win of the season.

We would also like to thank Gemma Adam (Aberdeenshire), Rachel Kirk (Peterhead), Keiller Ellis (Peterhead), Anne Smith (Orkney) and Fay Morrice (Watsonians) for playing for us.  

Once again, we would like to thank Coach John Cairns for travelling with us, Fraser McNaughton for his continued support at our Monday night training sessions, and our sponsors NorthLink Ferries for their ongoing support of the team.

NS/NM

Photo:
Back Row:  Rachel Kirk, Skye Wallhead-Taylor, Fay Morrice, Alanna Smith, Cady Dennon, Sara Higgins, S. A’hara, Anne Smith, Keiller Ellis, John Cairn (Coach)
Middle row: Lori Redman, Aleisha Womack, Angela Drever, Cailynn Williamson, Catherine Green
​Front Row: Nikita Scollie (C), Gemma Adam, Nickie Milne (VC)