U16s v Aberdeen Wanderers 10-11-13

U16's BRAVERY AND PASSION TRIUMPH OVER WELL DRILLED ABERDEEN WANDERERS TO STAY SECOND IN THE LEAGUE

Caledonia North Under 16 Division
Dounby - Sunday 10th November 2013
Final Score: Orkney RFC U16s 7 - Aberdeen Wanderers RFC U16s 5

Orkney U16's faced a well drilled and organised Aberdeen Wanderers team on a cold, clear winter's day in Dounby. 
Orkney got off to a flying start in the first two minutes with a charging run by Cammie Gray. This try was converted by Sam Croy.

Orkney found themselves under a great deal of pressure in the set pieces but the lack of possession was offset by some barn-storming runs by the Orkney forwards. Notable performances were Taylor Pirie and Robbie Hay with the tireless back row of Euan Humphries, James Nicholson and Cammie Gray making numerous tackles and powerful runs against a well organised defence. 

Dylan Evans come on as substitute for the injured Liam Thompson and coped well against a strong Aberdeen scrum who dominated most of the scrums throughout the whole game. The backs were also putting in a hard shift with strong tactical running and kicking from Ciaran Drever. The strong, centre pairing of Sam Croy and Fergus McIvor were frustrated by lack of good set piece ball and were unable to use their unmatched pace to full advantage but were peerless in defence. A number of try saving tackles were made by all the team but Douglas Murray on the wing, showed real skill, determination and bravery in bringing down a charging Wanderers player. 

The majority of the game was played between the two 22's with possession changing hands frequently. Orkney did challenge the opposition try line and were awarded a series of penalties. Orkney decided to run these but were thwarted by strong defending. As a result of a rash decision by a Wanderers player Orkney were one man up for 10 minutes but were unable to capitalise on this advantage. 

The Orkney boys, bravely and valiantly defended this lead with a great deal of passion, aggression and real commitment for fifty minutes. However, due to period of well organised pressure the visitors managed to score under the posts, much to the disappointment of the highly charged crowd. However, it was soon to be the Aberdeen boys who were disappointed as the conversion hit one post before rebounding off the other.
 
It was now the Orkney boys had to dig deep and hold onto a slim lead for the remainder of the game. The rest of the game was played out in a hard fought battle of powerful running, tackling and rucking. 
The game ended to great relief from all concerned as it truly had been a bruising encounter for both teams. 

Final Score: Orkney U16s 7, Aberdeens Wanderers U16s 5

The commitment, passion and supportive nature of the Orkney boys enabled them to win a hard fought victory against a team, that due to attendance at training were well organised and dominated the set pieces. It is true at this level of rugby as much as any level of rugby that attendance at training is vital to ensure passion and commitment can be combined with organisation. This team of boys has the former but to ensure the latter attendance at training is vital. 
Thanks to a spirited performance from the whole team they remain in second top position in the league. 

A huge thanks to the visiting team from Aberdeen who made the game such an exciting spectacle. 
Also, thanks to Adrian Askew who despite his advancing years refereed the game well. A notable mention was his wearing of his tartan shorts that are normally seen on the Scotland Rugby League team. 
All players are expected to attend training on Wednesday night at 6pm. 

Match report: Graeme Ramage