Match Report | Orkney Dragons v Caithness Krakens 21-9-24

Orkney Dragons started their season at home against their friends from across the water, Caithness Krakens.

Over the years, the Dragons dominated the Krakens and due to changes in players and development the tables have turned.

The Krakens, having had a very successful first game, were hoping to achieve the same today and that they did. The Dragons, whose training has been hindered by lack of numbers, unfortunately showed today and one sub available for a home game is disheartening.

The Krakens, as expected, literally got off to a flying start with a try from the hand off Queen Emmerleigh Smith within seconds of the starting whistle.

A couple more tries followed before the Dragons began to settle and after that the Krakens had to work for their following tries.

Grace Macgregor and Charlotte Cox had a very steady consistent game for the Dragons with powerful runs and great tackling.

It was Justine Mackay for the Krakens who stood out. Great running lines at speed, carrying the ball into contact well and superb support play. She was unanimously chosen as the Dragons opposition player of the match.

The game had a repetitive flow. The Dragons would carry, unfortunately get turned over at the rucks and the Krakens would seize their opportunities. However, on the positive side of the Dragons game, the latter tries were all scored from out wide rather than running through the middle.

The Dragons were close in the first and second half to get over the try line but fatigue and lack of support meant they couldn’t quite capitalise. Credit to the Krakens for their defensive play.

The Dragons did get some points on the scoreboard with a penalty taken by Aleisha Womack. Womack had a very solid game at full back with great tackling and pushing opponents into touch several times.

Unfortunately the Dragons suffered some injuries and requested ‘game on principles’ where the Krakens kindly number matched, therefore both teams playing with 14.

An end result of 96-3 to the Krakens wasn’t a reflection of the game. The Dragons made the Krakens work hard for their tries, however a more structured approach won them the game in the end.

Many thanks to Sutherlands Pharmacy for sponsoring us, to Trek & Travel for saving the day with kit, Jo Inkster for reffing, coaches John Cairns & Rab Muir and Aimee Grieve, our mascot for the day.

We look forward to training going forward and that was a good game to see the areas we need to improve on.

Players of the match:

• Forward: Charlotte Cox
  
• Back: Aleisha Womack
  
• Opposition: Angela Drever
  

DW