Match Report | Orkney Dragons v Lenzie Women 21-2-26

Women’s National Plate
Pickaquoy, Saturday 21 February 2026
Orkney Dragons 24, Lenzie Women 36

Thankfully, the wind and rain arrived the evening before kick-off, leaving excellent playing conditions on match day as Orkney Dragons welcomed Lenzie Women to Orkney for the first time.

Lenzie travelled with a full squad of 22, while the Dragons were unable to field 15 from their own ranks.

Photo: Bruce Flett

The club is extremely grateful to north neighbours Shetland RFC for their support, with Charis Scott, Hannah Polson and Freya Laurenson making the journey south to bolster the squad.

Competing two divisions above the Dragons, Lenzie presented a significant challenge. Their physicality and structure were evident from the outset, setting the tone for a competitive encounter.

The opening exchanges saw both sides contest possession fiercely. An early Dragons scrum inside the 22 resulted in a turnover, and momentum shifted repeatedly as neither side was able to settle.

The breakthrough came when the Dragons moved the ball swiftly from touchline to touchline, stretching Lenzie’s defence. Tiphanie Cazenave and Charis Scott combined effectively, with Scott crossing the line for the opening try. The conversion was unsuccessful.

From the restart, strong carries from Nikita Scollie and Cady Denoon gained valuable ground. Lenzie responded well, moving the ball quickly through their backs to create space for their pacey winger, Lucy McLaren, who proved a constant threat throughout the match. On this occasion, Laurenson produced a well-timed tackle to force her into touch.

After a series of lineouts and scrums, the Dragons extended their lead. Scrum-half Aleisha Womack capitalised on a defensive lapse at the ruck, sniping around the fringes to score. She successfully added the conversion to make it 12–0.

Lenzie increased the pressure, linking effectively between their fullback and wing to progress deep into the Dragons’ 22. However, disciplined defence from Scott and Laurenson forced play into touch. A further exchange of turnovers followed before returning player Donna Wilson intercepted a pass to halt a promising Lenzie attack with Jess Thomson adding a good break.

Lenzie eventually capitalised on a defensive misalignment, with McLaren’s speed earning them their first try. The conversion was missed, leaving the half-time score:

Orkney Dragons 12 – Lenzie 5

The second half began with renewed intensity, and Lenzie emerged the stronger side. After a Dragons penalty failed to find touch, Lenzie built through multiple phases, using powerful forward carries before releasing their backs to exploit space out wide. A well-worked try narrowed the deficit to 12–10.

Moments later, further strong carrying from Lenzie’s number eight created quick ball, and McLaren once again found space on the wing to score, giving the visitors the lead at 15–12.

As fatigue began to take effect and Lenzie introduced fresh replacements, the visitors gained momentum. Despite a try-saving tackle from Scott following a scrum turnover, sustained pressure led to another Lenzie score, this time converted, extending their advantage to 22–12.

The Dragons responded positively and adapted to positional changes with Captain Angela Shearer returning to the pitch following an injury. A penalty was kept in play by Lenzie, however Scott produced an outstanding turnover, ripping the ball cleanly and racing under the posts. Womack converted to bring the score to 22–19 and keep the contest alive.

However, Lenzie’s depth and experience began to show. A converted try following sustained pressure in the Dragons’ 22 pushed the score to 29–19. Scrums later moved to uncontested under Game On Principles, but the intensity remained high.

Maintaining possession patiently, Lenzie drew in defenders before exploiting space around the ruck to score again, extending their lead to 36–19.

To their credit, the Dragons continued to compete with determination. Demonstrating characteristic resilience, they maintained attacking pressure in the closing stages. Womack finished strongly with a well-taken individual try, though the conversion was missed.

Final Score: Orkney Dragons 24 – Lenzie 36

After a closely contested first half, Lenzie’s squad depth, structure and composure proved decisive. The Dragons can take positives from a competitive performance and will look to build on this as preparations continue for their remaining fixtures.

Standout performers for Lenzie included their influential number eight and their dynamic winger. For the Dragons, Nikita Scollie led the forwards with strong carries throughout, while Aleisha Womack was outstanding in the backs for the Dragon’s Queen’s of the Team. Lenzie chose Cady Denoon for her powerful runs and breaks up the pitch.

Thanks are extended to referee Lucy Flett, mascots Ingrid Hepburn, Eva Thomson and Carly Harcus, match sponsor Ocean Kinetics, and coach Sean Corrigall for their support.

We wish Lenzie the very best for the remainder of their campaign.

The Dragons’ next fixture is against Lismore away on 28 February 2026.

Photo:
Top L-R: Garry Stevenson (Ocean Kinetics), Vanessa Linton, Cady Denoon, Sean Corrigall (Coach), Sandra Davey, Sara Higgins, Alanna Smith, Fay Morrice, Nikita Scollie (VC), Charis Scott, Hannah Polson, Nickie Milne (VC), Steve Kolthammer (Ocean Kinetics)

Bottom L-R: Catherine Green, Jess Thomson & Ollie, Freya Laurenson, Angela Shearer (C), Aleisha Womack, Sky's Taylor, Donna Wilson & Alfie, Tiphaine Cazenave

Mascots: Eva Thomson & Ingrid Hepburn

D.W.