Youth Rugby Match Report | Caithness v U14s 28-1-24

On Sunday the 28th of January 2024, thirty three U14 players travelled for fixtures in Thurso. Caithness U13s were home to Moray but were lacking numbers, so ORFC loaned eight under 13 players to help our friends across the water.

Group photo (Thanks to Sarah Leslie for the photos)

The following boys featured for Caithness U13s in the match at 12:00pm against Moray:

Cole Mitchell
Aidan Leslie
Ruaridh Millar
William Maclean
Murray Clark
Jack Rorie
Kieran Groat
Ruaridh Henderson

All the coaches were very impressed with how the Orkney players slotted in and played with the Caithness boys in what was a tough game against a well drilled Moray side, the game ended with the score 55 – 12 to Moray. All the Orkney boys played well, with some hard tackling from Jack, Ruaridh M, William and Aidan and good runs from Kieran, Murray and Ruaridh H. Coaches pick for most improved player was prop forward Cole Mitchell, who stuck in well and shored up the Caithness scrum. Players player was Murray.

At 2:00pm the match between Caithness and Orkney U14s started. The day's referee hadn't arrived due to illness, so at short notice our new DPO and our new community rugby coach both stepped in to ref a half each. Caithness were lacking numbers at under 14 level too, so a few Orkney boys helped out in this game.

The following Orkney boys played for Caithness in the U14 match:


Archie Schofield
Matthew Gray
Rohan Spence
James Hamilton
Ruairidh Wood

Orkney U14 squad for the match:

1) Angus Inkster
2) Harvey Reid
3) George Shearer
4) Dylan Squire
5) Halcro Tait
6) Scott Slater (C)
7) Ran Jackson
8) Wilbur Bremner
9) Joel Hamilton (VC)
10) Ruari Wood
11) Rory Macinnes
12) Orrin Dick
13) Einar Thomson
14) Robbie Lyon
15) Kaelan Spence
16) Sonny Wise
17) Jonas Tualasea
18) Tyler Fitzpatrick
19) Ollie Leslie

Orkney got off to a flying start with outside centre Einar cutting through on the left wing for the first try of the day. Tries for Orrin, Scott, Wilbur, Tyler and Dylan, plus the boot of Kaelan saw half time end 45 – 7 to Orkney. Moment(s) of the first half came towards the end from our front row: first a strong carry from George, showcasing his blistering pace and second ,what can only be described as, a “filthy” sidestep from Harvey Reid that brought Orkney close to another try.

Orkney made a strong start to the 2nd half, with the first try coming from a strong run from Einar deep into the Caithness half leading a first try for Orkney for no 10 Ruari. Hard work from forwards Halcro and George drove Orkney up the pitch for the next try – with hooker Harvey going over in the right corner for his first for Orkney. Harvey was outstanding all game, with his energy levels never dipping in a fine performance.

Further tries came from Angus, Robbie and a 2nd from an impressive Tyler on his debut at U14 level – not looking at all out of place all afternoon. The same can be said of Ollie, who played on the wing, making several key tackles. Jonas, also making his debut at U14 level, played flanker on his first game at U14 level and worked hard to win and retain ball. Angus took his try well, his much deserved first for Orkney after all his hard work over the past 2 seasons. The game finished with the result recorded as 57-7. The winner of players player was their captain Scott, who led by example from flank forward. Such were the levels of performance, the coaches player vote was split between Harvey, Kaelan and Tyler - who all had excellent games.

Praise must go to the Orkney boys who played for Caithness, with perhaps the most committed an always smiling but bruised and bloodied James – who returned to play after coming off with a burst nose! Archie, Rohan, Matthew and Ruairidh all played well and can be proud of their efforts not only in a Caithness shirt, but their first game playing at U14 level.

Thank you to our friendly neighbours Caithness for another grand afternoon of rugby and for their hospitality after the match, we wish them good luck in the rest of the Culbean Challenge Competition. Also, thank you to George Brown (Rohallion) for filming the games!

Next for Orkney Under 14s is a fixture against Lochaber RFC on Sunday the 11th of February, which will hopefully be filmed again by Rohallion. Players/parents please keep your eyes on the ORFC U14 facebook group for further news.

A.T


Group photo, Back row:
Matthew Gray, Jonas Tualasea, Jamie Newman (Caithness), Scott Slater (captain), Rory Macinnes, Sonny Wise, Wilbur Bremner, Orrin Dick, Ran Jackson, Jamie Macadie (Caithness), Tyler Fitzpatrick, Einar Thomson, Lennox McDonald (Caithness), Nathan Fraser (Caithness), Ross Campbell (Caithness) and Blair Douglas (Caithness).

Middle row:
Ruairidh Wood, George Shearer, Ian Mackay (Caithness), Halcro Tait, Jay Kirkwood (Caithness), Alex Pottinger (Caithness), Zach Sutherland (Caithness), Dylan Squire and James Hamilton.

Front row:
Jamie Malcolm (Caithness), Jack Bremner (Caithness), Harvey Reid, Robbie Lyon, Ruari Wood, Kaelan Spence, Joel Hamilton (vice captain), Angus Inkster, Ollie Leslie, Archie Schofield, Johnny Bridge (Caithness) and Rohan Spence.