Under 18s match report: Home v Caithness 4-10-14

Caledonia North U18
Pickaquoy - Saturday, 4 October 2014
ORKNEY RFC U18s 69, CAITHNESS RFC U18s 5

On Saturday 4th October, Caithness Rugby Club under 18 squad crossed the Pentland Firth to play Orkney in a BT Caledonia North League fixture. Caithness having arrived without a full complement of experienced front row players it was agreed to play uncontested scrums. The Orkney team were pleased to get game time considering the present situation with teams not fulfilling fixtures, this being only their second league game of the season.

The game got underway in good conditions with very little wind, in the early passages of play Orkney were soon attacking the Caithness line but the visitors showed that they would not be a pushover with some heavy tackles keeping Orkney out. After five minutes of constant pressure Craig Stout eventually managed to break the cover and cross the line for the first try, converted by Taylor Pilkington Tait.

The half continued with Orkney playing well and showing the skills they have picked up from Coach Adrian Askew during his training sessions, especially the ability to recycle the ball and complete a pass when tackled. The tries came at regular intervals from Andrew Shaw, Cammy Gray, Fergus McIvor, Mark Sinclair and two from Jordan Thomson with Taylor converting five of them giving a half time score of 45 points without reply.

The second half continued in a similar vein to the first with Mark Sinclair getting his second try, Ciaran Drever took over kicking duties but failed on this occasion. During a period of pressure near the Orkney line with the defence at full stretch Caithness where awarded a penalty try, the conversion being missed.

For the remainder of the game Fergus McIvor decided to take over try scoring duties with his speed and strength allowing him to cross the line three times with Ciaran and Taylor both converting one each. The final score being 69-5 to Orkney.

Orkney were the stronger team on the day but Caithness must be congratulated for the effort and attitude they showed up to the final whistle. While both teams played the game in a very sporting manner.

Thanks to Ian Rushbrook for refereeing and explaining the finer points when necessary. The age group teams have no fixture during the October break the next planned fixture being on the first of November. It is intended to carry on with the Wednesday night training to hopefully maintain fitness levels.

Looking ahead out of the sixteen members of this squad twelve will still be eligible to play in this age group next season, a very positive situation for the club.

L.H.