Orkney / Caithness U18s v Ross Sutherland 19-9-15

Orkney/Caithness U18s 19, Ross Sutherland U18s 5
Picky, Saturday 19th September 2015

With Orkney under 18 Rugby Team finding difficulty in fielding a full team and Caithness RFC in the same situation it was agreed between the two clubs to combine the teams and play under the banner Orkney/Caithness.

The first game for the team was a game against Ross Sutherland with five boys coming across from Caithness to join the Orkney team, it is hoped that more will follow in the coming weeks.

The game commenced in dramatic style with home team scoring in the first two minutes, Sam Croy and Shaun Gunn combined in a very slick move for Sam to score under the post’s making his conversion kick easier. For the remainder of the half Orkney/Caithness had the majority of possession and territory but failed to increase the seven point advantage.

At the break both Development Officer Tom Hughes and Chris Guthrie one of the first team coaches pointed out to the team areas to improve on hopefully to get more points on the board.

Ten minutes into the second period this paid off and once again it was Sam Croy who was on the end of the move to score his second try, unfortunately his conversion attempt hit the post and stayed out. In a very entertaining game that referee Ian Carse allowed to flow the home side maintained their advantage.

The next score came at the end of a flowing move and some strong running by Aaron McNicol one of the Caithness contingent who scored the try, Sam Croys conversion was good giving a 19 point lead. As the game continued Ross never gave up the cause and deservedly scored a consolation try the conversion being missed.

With the final score being 19-5 to the home team it was a satisfactory result for the boys playing together for the first time but showed areas that can be worked on. The selection of Man of the Match was not a easy one, after a touch line discussion it was given to Shaun Gunn in recognition of his strong forward play. The next game is on the 26th against Montrose in the National Bowl, this will be played in Thurso to allow the visitors easier travel.