Match Report: Under 14s &16s v Huntly/Moray 12-11-16

​​On Saturday 12th November, the Orkney Rugby Club under 14 and 16 teams travelled to Huntly to play a Combined Huntly and Moray sides.
After a very uncomfortable passage on the Hrossey and a bus journey to Huntly the teams prepared for the two games in sunny conditions with the previous night’s strong wind having abated.

Under 14s
Moray/Huntly 46 Orkney 4

Whilst the under 16s played two halves of 35 minutes the under 14s game comprised of 3 periods of 15 minutes.

Both sides appeared evenly matched, however it soon became apparent that the home side were considerably more experienced and well drilled. Their domination at the breakdown and quick thinking resulted in 5 unanswered tries in the first period all of which they converted.

After some analysis at the break, Orkney came out and played a much quicker handling game. This proved somewhat more successful however Moray/Huntly scored a further 4 tries 2 of which they converted, Orkney persevered with keeping the ball aliveand were rewarded with a well-deserved try by James Donohoe on the wing. This following a slick passing and offloading move by the backs. During this period Tom MacArthur, Guy Summerfield and Archie Flett all had line breaking runs, however Moray/Huntly’s covering was excellent.

The third period was a scrappier period of play with many infringements and loose play. This favoured the hosts, from which they scored a further 4 tries all converted. By the end of the game the Orkney were out on their feet, having no substitutes to freshen the side. The final score was 46-4. This game was a steep learning curve for the boys and one they will learn a lot from.

The squad comprised of James Donohoe, Conrad Johnston, Alexander Keenan, Morgan Leslie, Guy Summerfield, Connor McLeod, Morgan Dennison, Jack Leitch, Marcus Slater, Tom McArthur, Cameron Milne, Archie Flett, Findlay Cooper, Finn Hancock and Calvin Slater.
 
 
Under 16s
Moray/Huntly 12 Orkney 39

The under 16 game got underway with the opening encounters showing that the sides were very evenly matched.

After 20 minutes of strong open play the deadlock was broken by Ben Johnston going over for a try, this was Ben`s first of the season after going close on numerous occasions in previous games, the conversion was missed. Huntly battled back from this setback and soon levelled the score with a try making the score at half time 5-5.

Early in the second half Huntly took the lead with a converted try. This set back shook the Orkney team into action with Glen Brough marshalling his side to attack the home team. For the remainder of the game they managed to cross the line at regular intervals with tries from Scott Swannie, Glen Scott, Josh Rendall, Gregor McLeod ending with two from Ronan Gray. Two of the tries being converted by Scott Swannie and Glen Scott leaving the final score 39-12 to Orkney.

After much discussion the coaches awarded the man of the match award to Kieron Morrison
 
The squad was Glen Brough, Euan Casely Murray Simpson, Ben Johnston, Gregor McLeod,  Josh Rendall, Glen Scott, Scott Swannie, William Omand, Kieron Morrison, Jamie Clouston, Ronan Gray, Fraser Merriman, Charlie Pasotti, Jack Marwick and Scott Stevenson.

The Clubs thanks are once again due to Northlink Ferries for the much appreciated sponsorship that allows these trips to take place.

L.H.