Youth Rugby Match Report: U16s v Highland 19 Feb 2017

21/2/2017

Under 16 Rugby - Sunday 19 February
Orkney 24 Highland 31

On Sunday the Orkney under 16 team played Highland in the first round of the Caledonian Cup. A hard game was expected as Highland play in the Presidents Conference the top age group competition in Scotland. Playing on the centre pitch at Picky conditions underfoot where good but the wind had increased during the morning blowing the length of the pitch, the home team playing the first half against the wind.

In the opening period the visitors used the wind to put the Orkney defence under pressure scoring two tries one being converted giving a twelve point lead.The Orkney team fought back and with a period of very good play showing some very good handling first Ronan Gray managed to score a try that Connor Hancock converted. Connor followed this by breaking through the defence to score once again kicking the conversion. Leading up to half time Highland scored another converted try giving them a 19-14 lead.

Orkney started the second half playing with the wind hoping to use it to their advantage, Keith Dearness soon brought this about with a well taken try bringing the scores level. The half continued with both teams threatening the try line but being repulsed with strong tackling defence. Eventually Highland broke the deadlock with two tries one being converted.

The home side fought hard to save the game resulting in Connor Hancock scoring another try his conversion attempt just missing. The final whistle came with no further score leaving Highland with a 31-24 victory.

The Orkney team while disappointed with the result could be proud of the performance against a team playing in a higher league. Thanks are due to Stewart Spence for his referees duties carried out in a very competent manner. Not being a great advocate of the Man of the Match Award on this occasion it was a very easy decision as Connor Hancock put in an amazing shift, it is hard to believe that he has another season at this age group.

Squad, Murray Simpson, Ronan Gray, Rhys Davies, Keith Dearness, Ewan Casely, Josh Rendall, Connor Hancock, Gregor Macleod, Andrew Mulraine, Scott Stevenson, Glen Scott, Jack Marwick, Jamie Clouston, Glen Brough, Ryan Mooney, William Omand, Kieron Morrison and Jak Craigie.