Orkney U18s vs Gordounston U18s: 6-12-14

 Last Saturday the 6th of December Orkney under 18s travelled away to take on Gordonstoun who are currently top of the table. With both teams showing good form in recent games it was always going to be a close encounter. Conditions were good but a soft pitch made it difficult at times.

Gordonstoun kicked off and turned over Orkneys ball straight from the first ruck showing that it was going to be a very physical game. The first 20 minutes passed and strong tackling from both teams made it difficult to make the breakthrough. Eventually Orkney earned a penalty from some good attacking play, they decided to go for the posts but unfortunately Taylor Pilkington Tait was unable to convert.

With the score still even and half time approaching Orkneys Andrew Shaw was taken to hospital with a shoulder injury. This made the Orkney boys determined to hold out till half time but silly penalties given away allowed Gordonstoun the opportunity to execute a well worked move in the backs to score in the corner. The conversion being missed giving a half time score of 5-0

With the second half underway it was clear another equal period was to take place. Strong tackling from Orkney was making it hard for Gordonstoun to break through. Eventually Orkney turned over the ball and Sam Croy made a break but was tackled on the Gordonstoun 22. He then had to be taken off due to concussion. With Robbie Hay already being off this saw Orkney going down to 14 for the last 20 minutes.

Gordonstoun took advantage of the extra player and after a good switch of play they scored their second try of the match, conversion being missed.

The last ten minutes were evenly contested and the final whistle blew with the score 10-0 to Gordonstoun. A closely fought game throughout unfortunately it wasn’t to be for Orkney. A big thank you to Northlink for yet again supporting the travel and to Bruce Pilkington and Les Howard for assisting on the trip.

Report by Mark Sinclair.