Match Report | Orkney Dragons v Aberdeenshire Quines 22-4-23

The Orkney Dragons travelled to Woodside Sports Complex on Saturday 22 April 2023 for a rescheduled league game against Aberdeenshire Quines.

Travelling with only 9 Dragons players, the team had to call in some favours from other teams and we supported by Caithness, RGU and Abertay players to make up a squad of 16.

This game had no pressure for the Dragons, however if needed to be played for league position for the Quines.

The Quines were on the scoresheet very quickly with 2 tries in the first 15 minutes taking advantage of the Dragons lack of structure. With strong ball carriers, Quines strength of pick and goes secured a 10-0 lead both unconverted.

The Dragons regrouped and the Orkney lasses showed south teammates and Quines some fighting spirit. Nikita Scollie gained ground allowing, an upcoming rugby star, Hannah Dunnett, who has been playing for Scotland U18s at scrum half, to box kick and chase to get the Dragons on the scoresheet.

Quines reacted to this and were once again closing in on the try line. They tried to use the pick and go method again, however this time the Dragons were ready. An amazing defensive performance on the try line, the lasses in red pushed back the Quines 10m from the line.

Half time ended 10-5 for Quines and it was still all to play for.

The Dragons were full of enthusiasm and determination to come back in the second half. A penalty in Orkney’s favour at 10 meters out saw Hannah Dunnett on the attack with a quick tap and go, she used great feetwork sending defenders the wrong way and over the line she went. This was converted by Nikita meaning the Dragons went ahead 12-10.

The Dragons knew what was coming and Quines had a great restart. Using strong ball carriers, drawing in players released their backs and scored out on the wing for two more tries.

Not to be disheartened by the extended lead, Katie Allison, who played consistently throughout, broke through the Quines defence with solid ball carrying breaks. This allowed play to travel up the pitch and the Dragons were soon near the try line.

After several attempts and a couple of held up balls over the try line, Devin Stuart set up nicely on the opposite side of play. A quick change of direction allowed her to weave through the gaps and score under the posts. Converted by Nikita.

Fatigue hit the Dragons and with a mix of experience in the team, Quines took advantage and were on the scoresheet once again. The Dragons did extremely well defensively, forcing the Quines out wide to score.

The final result was Aberdeenshire Quines 30 - Orkney Dragons 19. A score which doesn’t reflect the competitive nature of the game and the lasses in red should hold their heads high after a solid performance.

Many thanks to the players from other teams who made this fixture possible, Northlink for sponsorship and Gary for coaching.

Forward Queen of the Team: Katie Allison
Backs Queen of the Team: Ailsa Drever

​D.W.