U14s Match Report | Mackie v Orkney - Culbean Cup QF - 2-3-24

On Friday 1st of March, 22 players from the ORFC U14s travelled down to Stonehaven for the Culbean Cup quarter final against Mackie RFC on Saturday the 2nd of March.

Mackie started the game well, driving deep into the Orkney half in the first five minutes. The Orkney boys tackled and turned over ball before Mackie scored up the left wing to make the score 7-0 after about 5 minutes of play.

Back row: Keiran Wiles (ex player, chief supporter for the day), Tyler Fitzpatrick, Scott Slater, Jonas Tualasea, Dylan Squire, Ruairidh Wood, Wilbur Bremner, Einar Thomson, Thomas Corrigall, Halcro Tait, Ran Jackson, Balfour Williamson, Sonny Wise, Orrin Dick and Ruari Wood.
Front: Kaelan Spence, James Hamilton, Ollie Leslie, Reid Drever, Rory Macinnes, Archie Schofield, Harvey Reid and Joel Hamilton

The next 10 minutes saw the Orkney boys camped on the Mackie try line, reminiscent of Scotland circa 2004, they were unable to find a way over the line in a bad case of white line fever with at least three failed attempts. Despite the sustained pressure, the half ended 31- as the Orkney boys tired through their efforts.

Coaches gathered the boys for a team talk at half time, reminding them of what was at stake and the words were heeded. The Orkney boys rallied, with captain Thomas Corrigall crashing over for Orkney's first try, our fly half Joel converted to make the score 31-7.

In time, the quality of the centres and fullback of Mackie overcame the Orkney boys in a fantastic display of rugby. The coaches here would love to see our players execute a cross-field kick pass, that is professional level rugby.

As custom and a great part of rugby life, we were made to feel very welcome by our hosts - who are interested in an end of season friendly in Orkney. Best of luck from everyone at ORFC to Mcakie U14s for their up-coming semi final game.

A huge thank you goes to former ORFC U14 player Keiran Wiles for travelling to cheer on and support the boys – get back playing ASAP Keiran.

In what must be a first time, for this coach anyway, every single player picked fullback Orrin Dick as player's player. I only counted one failed tackle Orrin, absolutely outstanding and you were spoken about by the Mackie coaches after the game.

Coaches' player was captain Thomas Corrigall, who in a new position of no 7 picked up two tries and led by example – deservedly leading the team on his requested shopping trip to Union Square post game.

The next game is away to Huntley on Saturday 9 March.

AT