Match Report | Orkney Dragons v Shetland Ladies 30-10-21

Tennent's Caledonia North Region Women’s League
Stornoway - Saturday 30th October 2021
Orkney Dragons 10, Shetland Ladies RFC 27

It was the game everyone was waiting for and it didn’t disappoint.

Orkney Dragons welcomed the Shetland Ponies for the rugby battle of the islands. Not the best playing conditions but that didn’t stop the competitive nature of the game.

Shetland were quick of the mark pressurising Orkney immediately. A few handling errors by Orkney and Shetlands strong ball carriers secured their first try.

This gave Shetland a boost of confidence and were on the scoresheet once more in quick succession.

Orkney did what they do best and didn’t let that bother them and began to work as a team. This was boosted by full back Paige Archibald who responded to Shetland’s kick and chase and carried the ball out of Orkney’s danger area.

A good spell of play by Orkney’s forwards and backs gaining ground, saw the spark reignite.

However it wasn’t long before Shetland were back in possession. Shetland’s backs looped creating an overlap on the wing, which was used effectively throughout the game, saw another two tries before half time.

Both teams picked up their game in the second half, Orkney more so. Vice Captain Laura Baillie lead the forwards with conviction and having structured pods regrouped the team.

This enabled the ball to be passed out to the backs quicker and speedy Sarah Broyde side stepped Shetland’s defence to get Orkney on the scoreboard.

As expected Shetland reacted to this pressure. Unfortunately a turnover ball lost at a ruck by Orkney and a slow reaction from attack to defence, saw Shetland use the overlap on the wing once more. The try was also converted by Captain Charis Scott.

Orkney were not finished and from a scrum in Shetland’s 22, Nikita Scollie used her power to fight through Shetland’s defence for Orkney’s second try.

As fatigue started to show and playing errors from both teams, things started to get heated. An incident involving two players saw a red card for Orkney.

Soon after, a bad high tackle from a Shetland player meant they received a yellow card resulting in both teams being down to 14 players.

There were no more tries after this with the final score 27-10 in Shetland’s favour.

Congratulations to Shetland on the win and receiving the Jack Rendall Ladies Rugby Quaich which was presented by Dorothy Rendall.

The Orkney Dragons would like to thank Bryan Laughton for sponsoring and his continued support to the club. Many thanks to Ian Rushbrook for reffing, Angus Firth for being linesman, Lucy Flett and Jo Inkster for being medics. Games cannot go ahead without these people. Not forgetting our coaches.

• Forwards Queen of the Team: Laura Baillie
• Backs Queen of the Team: Sarah Broyde
• Paige Archibald voted as player of the match by Shetland.

Orkney Dragons have a break before heading off to Peterhead on 4 December 2021. Time to let those with injuries recover and continue to improve and develop.

D.W.