U18s reach plate final with victory over Dundee Eagles

Caledonia U18 Plate
Pickaquoy, 18 April 2015
Orkney U18 12 - Dundee Eagles 5

On Saturday 18th April, Orkney under 18 Rugby Team played Dundee Eagles in semi final of the Caledonian Plate. Orkney could only field 15 players due to injuries and demands from other sporting activities involving some of the regular squad.

Dundee play in the Midland Division of the League so the strength of the opposition was unknown. The opening period of play was mostly in the centre portion of the pitch indicating that the teams were very evenly matched. The deadlock was broken after twenty minutes when Mark Sinclair showed some great skill to outwit the defence to score a very good try, the conversion was missed.

This was followed with Dundee being awarded a penalty twenty yards out and decided to kick for goal, this was missed. For all the possession the visitors were having it was Orkney who scored next with Taylor Pilkington Tait showing the skills and confidence he has gained playing for the first team to outwit the defence to score a try under the posts that he converted, giving his side a 12-0 half time lead.

The second half commenced with Dundee putting the home side under pressure, after missing a penalty attempt they scored a runaway try once again the kick was missed.

For the remainder of the game the visitors had the vast majority of possession but the home team showed some outstanding defensive work and gave them no opportunity to capitalise on it leaving the final score 12-5.

Next up is the Plate Final this coming Sunday at St Andrews against Aberdeen Grammar Rugby. The team hope to be able to field a stronger side and with a bit of luck return with some additional silverware for the club.


Match report: L.H.