Orkney RFC U16s v Gordonstoun RFC U16s

23/2/2013

Caledonia U16 Cup
Picky: 23rd February 2013
Final Score – Orkney 27 Gordonstoun 7

Orkney under 16 played their Caledonia cup match versus Gordonstoun on Saturday which was a much anticipated match with the Orkney boys not having had a game since early January. Gordonstoun beat an in form Ellon team to progress into the 2nd round and with an addition of four overseas boys from the last tough encounter at Gordonstoun the match was going to be a mouth watering contest.

It was evident from the start of the game that a full strength Orkney had their game heads on and with the wind at their backs in the fist half they would look to dominate early in the game. From the kick off strong tackling from the Orkney forwards and astute positional kicking from TPT kept the Gordonstoun boys pinned in their own half. Despite the Orkney line-out not functioning as well as hoped the boys had a good deal of early possession and gained a free kick on the Gordonstoun 22m line which was quickly taken by Mark Sinclair, quickly recycled by Craig Stout, Liam Moar and Chris Munson gave TPT a run down the blind to put James brown into space who flew into the corner to score the first try. TPT missed the conversion. (5-0)

Gordonstoun were still struggling to get into the game and the Orkney team found good field position after the kick off with a good kick downfield and chase from Cammy Gray and Ciaran Drever who proved a solid defence all day. Continuous pick and drives from Munson, Fraser, Hay & Pirie was soon tiring the Gordonstoun defence and gaps were starting to appear. After continued pressure Taylor Pirie broke through to score with a fine individual try showing powerful running. (10 - 0).

From the kick off Craig Stout claimed a high ball to charge back at the defence and set the platform for TPT to send the ball deep into the 22m of Gordonstoun. Soon after the best try of the game came with the Orkney forwards pick and drive gaining yards to release the back with quick ball and to show great quick hands passing the ball down the line to put Croy in at the corner which the crowd loved to see. TPT missed the conversion. (15 - 0).

Gordonstoun came back into the game and the next few plays before and after half time were nervous times for both teams. The Orkney scrum was under pressure and Gordonstoun used this to good effect with strong forward play resulting in a try which added spice to the rest of the game. 15-7).

It was Orkney however that finished the game strong with two tries from Cameron Gray to clinch the match with TPT converting one to finish the game 27-7. The first try came after more impressive work from the Orkney forwards who gave Gray the space out wide to dive over the line and the second try a change of angle to score under the posts.

Well done to Gordonstoun who never gave up and rallied to the end. Also thanks to Derek Robb for Refereeing.

Next week sees Orkney U16s take on Moray in the 1/4s of the Caley Cup. Moray beat Orkney back in October so this will be a belter of a match. Come along and support the boys on Sunday, 12noon kick off at the Pickaquoy.

Match Report: B.R.

More photos from the match can be found here.