Youth Rugby Match report | ORFC U18s v Dunfermline 22-03-25

Saltire Energy Boy's U18 Caledonia Youth Bowl & Plate S/F
Pickaquoy, Saturday 22 Mar 2025
Orkney RFC 50, Dunfermline 0

After last week's heroic efforts against Gala Wanderers in the National Youth Cup Final, the U18s were back on the campaign for the Saltire Energy Boy's U18 Caledonia Youth Bowl & Plate

They had drawn Dunfermline in the Semi Finals for the Bowl & Plate, the winner of this fixture would be in the Bowl and the unsuccessful team would be in the Plate Final so either way, both teams were going to be in Aberdeen at Robert Gordon College for finals but Orkney had their eyes on the win and were looking to be in the Bowl final.

It was a wet and very windy day which made conditions tough for both teams but Orkney had the home advantage and play in these conditions regularly so it was no issue for the boys.

The match kicked off at noon and as soon as the first whistle went Orkney were on the offensive keeping Dunfermline firmly in their half for most of the first 35 mins, scoring a slew of tries.

Through strong scrummaging, great ball carrying, fantastic tackling and some super through the hands passing Orkney were on the attack bringing the score to 33-0 at half time with George Wylie only missing 1 conversion out of 5.

Unfortunately, Angus Dougall, one of the vice captains sustained a dislocated shoulder and had to be taken to A&E but he is on the mend.

Orkney were against the wind in the second half but it did not affect their game at all and they kept on the onslaught against Dunfermline. Dunfermline tried to use the wind to their advantage and did have a better attacking game in the second half with a relentless 26 phase attack on the Orkney defence.

Dunfermline spent a good 10 minutes or more on the Orkney try line but they could not best the Red & White wall. Our lads kept out Dunfermline and stopped them from getting any points on the board.

Orkney put more tries past the boys in blue as the match went on, through the same determination they had in the first half. George found it a bit more difficult with the wind going against him but he managed a few more conversions.

Orkney were jubilant when the final whistle went and it was great to see the boys back to their winning ways. Setting the standard for the youth setup in Orkney with a great display of skill, attitude and great team performance.

It is a privilege for the coaches to be helping the squad achieve all their success this year.

Try scorers were: Lewis Moncrieff x 2, Zander Baillie x 2, James Braddock x 2, Ben Sinclair x 1, Mikey McGee x 1, Ashton Bruce x 1 and Tom Hamilton x 1.

Picture, Back row L to R:
Jeff Dougall, Darren McGee, Zander Baillie, Angus Dougall (VC), Ruari Towrie, Mikey McGee (VC), Kyle Kinghorn, Dylan Price, Murray Robertson, Lewis Moncrieff, Ben Sinclair, George Wylie, PJ McGrath

Front Row L to R
Cullen Dick, Ashton Bruce, Jason Buchan, Finlay Daintith, Sammy Laughton, James Braddock (C), Thorfinn Scott, Cameron Boyd, Tom Hamilton

D.M.