Youth Rugby Report | U13/14s v Lochaber 13-11-22

On Sunday 13 November 2022, Orkney RFC welcomed Lochaber RFC for games at U14 level at the Pickaquoy Centre Pitch.

Lochaber travelled with 13 players in a mixed squad of U13/14 players. Given the size of our squads, Orkney fielded mixed U13/14 teams and loaned players so 15 a side games were possible.

For Orkney Red/Black v Lochaber, John Hay and Orrin Dick played for Lochaber. Following injuries in the first game, Wilbur Bremner, Angus Inkster, Magnus Montgomery, Scott Slater and Sweyn Cooper all played at times for Lochaber vs Orkney Red/White.

Orkney Red/Black v Lochaber report

Score: Orkney 26, Lochaber 10

Today the Orkney Red/Blacks were led by captain Alfie Norquoy, who was a vocal presence throughout. Alfie drove his team on and finished the game with two tries, a true captain's performance. Solid team display today, with good tackling and rucking, the coaches were pleased to see turnover ball from the forward pack. George Reid and Angus Inkster tackled hard, as did Sweyn Cooper on the wing.

The new half back pairing of Joel Hamilton and Kaelan Spence worked well, providing quick ball to the backline. Centre pairing of Ali Wylie and Harvey Reid linked play well and made yards, with Ali tackling nearly everyone in sight as is his normal.

Try of the match scored by Owen Spence, who rejoined play in a new position of inside centre after a rest period; a kick from Harvey Reid was followed at pace by Sweyn Cooper and Owen, who pressurised the Lochaber receiving player, allowing their own pack to catch up which led to Owen's try.

Tries:
Alfie Norquoy 2
Kaelan Spence 1
Owen Spence 1

Conversions:
Kaelan Spence 3

Players player: Ali Wylie
Coaches players: Alfie Norquoy

Photos: Andrew Thomson

Orkney Red/Black: 1) Wilbur Bremner, 2) Thorfinn Foubister, 3) Alfie Norquoy (C), 4) Sonny Wise, 5) George Reid, 6) Angus Inkster, 7) Jack Walls, 8) Owen Spence, 9) Joel Hamilton, 10) Kaelan Spence, 11) Einar Thomson, 12) Harvey Reid, 13) Ali Wylie, 14) Sweyn Cooper, 15) Finlay Flett (VC), 16) Magnus Montgomery

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Orkney Red/White v Lochaber report
Score Orkney 26 Lochaber 10

The Orkney/White team today were led by Captain Jack Innes, who despite carrying an injury put in a power of work and led his team well - running in the first try for his team.

Two players were played in new positions in this team, John Hay and Thorfinn Thomson, playing number 8 and fullback – with both players running in a try each. Balfour Norquoy was his usual solid self in defence today, and a menace going forward with two tries today.

Solid work in the front row from Matthew Meason and Jacob Reed, Jacob in particular who could be heard marshalling players round him at the ruck. Ran Jackson had a very good game at scrum half, passing quickly off the pack and was quick off the mark in defence, sprinting from the defending side of a scrum with his pressure causing Lochaber to slice a clearance kick.

Ruari Wood played well at 10 alongside Ran, with some clever runs – this a partnership coaches will definitely explore. Impressive display by Thorfinn as vice captain, who from fullback was noticeably vocal in controlling his back line. Most impressive tacklng display of the day from Orrin Dick, outstanding work.

Tries:
Jack Innes 1
John Hay 1
Thorfinn Thomson 1
Balfour Norquoy 2

Players player: Orrin Dick
Coaches players: Thorfnn Thomson

Overall score between Orkney U13/14 v Lochaber:
Orkney 52, Lochaber 20

Orkney Red/White: 1) Jacob Reed, 2) George Shearer, 3) Matthew Meason, 4) Balfour Norquoy, 5) Scott Slater, 6) Dylan Squire, 7) Jack Innes (C), 8) John Hay, 9) Ran Jackson, 10) Ruari Wood, 11) Robbie Lyon, 12) Joe Thomson, 13) Thomas Corrigall, 14) Rory McInnes, 15) Thorfinn Thomson (VC), 16) Orrin Dick

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Orkney Red/Black v Orkney Red/White

As there was time before the start of Scotland vs New Zealand, we had another 30 minute match between the two Orkney teams.

Score: Orkney Black 34 Orkney White 17

Red/Black report

The Orkney Red/White team were depleted as Joe Thomson and Dylan Squire had to leave for a swimming competition, meaning 15 vs 14 which the score reflects.

In battle of the “front row bros”, Wilbur Bremner edged this game with two barnstorming tries, we'll not mention the conversion attempt Wilbur... Owen and Kaelan combined well in the backs, with Owen chasing down a chipped kick by Kaelan and forcing a penalty – leading to a second try for Owen today. Should Owen shift to the backs perhaps coaches?

Tries: Joel 1, Ali 1, Wilbur 2, Kaelean 1, Owen 1
Conversons: Kaelan 2

Red/White report

The team battled hard despite being a man down, with the half time score 17-14. Good running from Rory, John and Balfour with another terrific tackling performance from Orrin Dick – more of the same the rest of the season please Orrin.

Good performances from both sides, with our U13 players benefiting from the experience of the U14s alongside them.

Next for the Orkney RFC U14s is a home game on Sunday the 4th of December against Caithness RFC U14s.

A.T.