Orkney RFC U18s v Deeside - Picky 22-11-14

Caledonia North U18
Pickaquoy - Saturday, 22 November 2014
ORKNEY RFC U18s 30, DEESIDE RFC U18s 0

On Saturday 22nd November Orkney under 18s entertained Deeside Rugby Club on the centre pitch at Picky. This was the first time Deeside had travelled to Orkney allowing the home team to play only their third league game of the season. On seeing the size of some of visiting team a tough encounter was expected, hopefully Orkneys lack of game time would not be a factor. At kick off time the rain that fell during the first team game had ceased and the wind dropped giving good conditions for spectators.

The first ten minutes was very even with both teams showing good handling and attacking skills resulting in some desperate defending at both ends of the pitch. The deadlock was broken after ten minutes when Orkney were awarded a penalty in the middle of the Deeside half, Taylor Pilkington Tait decided to kick for goal and dually gave the home team a three point lead. This seemed to give the team a little more confidence and was soon followed by Craig Stout playing in the second row breaking through the Deeside defence to score near the corner, the conversion was missed.

Orkney continued to attack the Deeside line and after some good passing moves by the backs Craig Russell forced his way through the defence to score near the posts, Taylor added the two points with his conversion. Shortly after Taylor had to leave the field with a leg knock as he had completed some field time as a substitute in the first team game it was decided not to risk him any further. Sam Croy completed the first half scoring with a try but missed the conversion giving a score of 20-0.

Even with the running track floodlights being used the lack of daylight was going to be a problem. Orkney continued to dominate play in the second half scoring two further tries, a second for Sam Croy and the final one from Furgus McIvor keeping up his try scoring record in previous games. Deeside pressured the Orkney line on numerous occasions but the team defended very well. With ten minutes remaining it was decided between the coaches and referee that with safety in mind as the centre of the pitch was getting dark the only option was to call a halt slightly early.

Final score 30-0.

Many thanks to Deeside for making the trip, and to David Bruce for refereeing.

L.H.