Orkney/Caithness V Montrose

Orkney/ Caithness 41 - Montrose 22

On Saturday the Orkney contingent of the under 18 team travelled across the Firth to meet up with the Caithness members for a Nation Bowl 1st Round game against Montrose RFC. The strength of the opposition was unknown as the clubs had never played each other at this level.

The game was played in ideal conditions being dry, warm and just a light breeze. The scoring was opened after five minutes with the home side being awarded a penalty in the centre of the pitch, Sam Croy stepped up to slot the ball between the posts for the three points.

This was turning into a good game of Rugby with both sides showing good attacking moves, the next score was again down to Sam Croy he finished of a good passage of play touching down under the posts and kicking the conversion. Montrose continued to contribute to the game and deservedly scored a unconverted try after twenty minutes making the score 10-5.

The next two scores came from the home side’s forwards with front row players Shaun Gunn and Robbie Hay both getting over the line, both tries once again converted by Sam Croy. Montrose bounced back and punished a string of miss tackles to score another unconverted try. Just before half time William Steven used his strength to finish of a good passage of play with a try, Sam converted leaving the half time score at 31 points to 10.

Changes where made at half time, Ciaran Drever already having to leave the field with a reoccurrence of his shoulder injury the remaining substitutes where all introduced to give all of the squad some game time. Montrose started the second half strongly and after five minutes scored a try unfortunately the conversion was just wide.

This score brought a quick reply with Aaron McNicol repeating his try scoring effort of the previous week, this was converted. Montrose refused to give up and replied once again with the kicker having a change of fortune and kicking the conversion. The final score of the game came from the boot of Sam Croy with a penalty, taking his personal tally for the game to 21 points an impressive haul when you consider he is still young enough to play at this age group next season. The final score of 41 points to 21 was the result of two teams playing good open rugby, thanks are due to Montrose for making the journey and playing the game with a very sporting spirit.

The draw for the next round is awaited as with this being a National Competition it may result in a long travel.