Youth Rugby Match Report: U16s v Ross Sutherland 8-10-16

Caledonia North Youth Conference
Invergordon - Saturday, 8 October, 2016
Ross Sutherland RFC U16s 34, Orkney RFC U16s 29​

Last Saturday the Orkney under 16 Rugby team travelled to Invergordon to play Ross Sutherland in a Caledonian League game, with both teams being unbeaten so far this season it was expected to be a close encounter.
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In the first attack on the Orkney line two missed tackles allowed the home team to open the scoring, the conversion was missed. Both teams played some very constructive and aggressive Rugby matching each other in periods of open play.

After 20 minutes Orkney managed to get a score when after a period of good handling Ryan Mooney scored a try Connor Hancocks conversion attempt hitting the post leaving the scores level at five points each. The home team immediately returned to the attack and scored a unconverted try, this shook the Orkney side into action and after being camped in the Ross 22 for a while Glen Brough managed to use his strength to squeeze over the line for a try to level the scores at ten points each, this being the half time score. The referee
had to retire at this point due to injury one of the Ross coaches taking over.
 
Into the second half the high standard of Rugby being played continued. Ross started to put the Orkney defence under pressure and scored three tries in quick succession the last being disputed due to one of the Orkney players having already touched the loose ball down in the in goal area. This try was converted giving the home side a 27-10 lead.
 
Once again Orkney came back with Gregor MacLeod going over for a try converted by Connor followed by a second try for Ryan Moody reducing the deficit to five points. Ross responded to this with a converted try leaving Orkney less than ten minutes to pull back12 points Not giving up the team kept on the front foot and the reward was a try by Charlie Pasotti dually converted by Connor Hancock from out on the touchline. Unfortunately this was the final score.
 
 34-29 to Ross Sutherland. Great shift put in by the lads on a very calm and warm day. Some fantastic periods of play against a quick and physical side. Players Player goes to Keith Dearness who put in a very strong defensive game with what must have been the tackle of the game against a Goliath of a lad. Connor Hancock takes the Coach's Player after several strong runs and showing great composure with the last conversion of the day from way out on the right touch line. Looking forward to the return game back in Orkney.

L.H.