Thrilling victory for Dragons in Aberdeen

13/11/2017

Women's Sarah Beaney Bowl
Aberdeen - Saturday 11th November
Aberdeenshire Quines 29, Orkney Women 30

A minutes silence was observed before KO to mark the Armistice and in what was near perfect conditions for rugby Quines took the kick off.

It was obvious from the outset that the Quines were determined to knock the wind from the sails of the Dragons but Orkney were not to be held back and Paige Archibald quickly put the first points on the board. Quines answered straight back with a try of their own which they converted. After a short period of scrappy play from both sides Amy Walker took a blistering run right down the pitch from the Orkney half and slotted in another try for Orkney. Unfortunately Amy had a niggling injury which hampered her kicking abilities from then on.

The Dragons were awarded a penalty for a Quines high tackle on Captain Jo Inkster and Steph Tait kicked for touch gaining the Dragons territory deep in the Quines half. The lineout was won and the Dragons took the ball fast, straight out through the hands to winger Tiphaine Cazaneve who touched down the third try for Orkney. Quines replied with another try which left the score 12-15 to Orkney at half time.

The second half saw several moments of indiscipline from Orkney at the ruck resulting in a few too many penalties against them. Paige scored her second try of the game but the Dragons failed to heed the Referees warnings and Orkney lost a player to the sin bin. With Orkney a Dragon down Aberdeenshire scored again. Not to be discouraged Orkney were straight back into the game. Paige Archibald caught a Quines kick and carried it back down the park where she recycled it through the Orkney forwards to receive it again and score her third try of the game. Still a player down the Dragons powered on and a determined run from Steph Lawson earned her her first ever try for Orkney.

With the score sitting at 17-30 it seemed the Dragons were unstoppable but Quines didn’t back down and scored two more tries leaving the final score 29-30 to the Dragons.

Jennifer Scott received Orkney’s Queen of the Team. Her outstanding effort and her powerful ball carrying through the Aberdeenshire defence made her the worthy recipient. Orkney’s Steph Tait playing at 10 was given Aberdeenshire's award for best Orkney player. Sadly Dragon Tracey Mathieson was injured early on the game and had to make a detour via the ARI. We wish her a speedy recovery.

Thanks must go to Kemps The Drapers for once again rushing through embroidery on our Dragons shirts, to Northlink for their continued sponsorship, Sutherlands Pharmacy, the Club and our travelling supporters. We are also indebted to Matthew Byers for stepping in as coach and travelling with us.

J.I.