Boyd delighted with debutants as Greens pick up first away victory
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The Greens notched up their first double in Caley Division 1 with a hard-earned but deserved 22-7 win at Grangemouth.
Saturday's result, achieved with one of the least experienced packs they have ever fielded, consolidated their third spot in the pecking order.
It also was their first away success and has given Ewen Boyd's men a much-needed lift for the second half of the season.
The starting XV featured three debutants – hooker Duncan MacMillan, lock Callum MacDonald and Jamie Mowat at stand-off.
Despite the callowness of the pack, they fronted up well and helped the visitors establish an eight-point interval lead.
A second try soon after the resumption increased the advantage.
Grangemouth enjoyed plenty of spells on the front foot but were limited to one converted try midway through the second period.
A reply in kind near the end ended the scoring and ensured Caithness returned victorious.
The visitors struggled to assert themselves in the opening quarter.
A marvellous cover tackle from full-back Scott Webster was needed to prevent the hosts striking first.
A Mowat penalty had Caithness in front and it was against the run of play when they grabbed the first try of the afternoon.
From a lineout, centre Stuart Crichton's strong thrust created the opening for Euan MacDonald to exploit a gap and race to the line.
The scrum-half put in a power of work, tidying up sloppy possession and tackling his heart out.
He was also the victim of a late tackle which earned home skipper Thomas Skelton a yellow card in the latter stages.
Caithness got off to the perfect start after the interval with replacement prop Hamish Coghill exchanging passes with Nathan Quinn before putting Scott Webster in behind the posts. Mowat's conversion had the Greens 15 in front.
Grangemouth were quick to reduce the deficit when Skelton's cross-kick was gathered by right winger Kyle Forsyth to hare in unopposed.
Skelton, who was off-target with two early penalties, potted the conversion.
Grangemouth pressed hard but faced a resolute defence and the outcome was sealed when they conceded a third touchdown.
Charlie Quinn's spiralling kick into the home 22 saw Grant Anderson scrag a defender, pirate possession and put Coghill over in the blink of an eye.
Coach Boyd was delighted to get the Greens' first win on their travels.
"We did a fair bit of work in training on defence and tackling and I think that translated into a more physical presence on the field," he said.
Boyd was delighted with the performances of the debutants who were among a clutch of players who stepped up from the Seconds.
"They have done well and took the chance they were given on Saturday," he said. "I think it shows the benefits of having two senior sides."
Boyd added: "Three or four boys that have been stalwarts all season will now have to fight hard to get back into the team. That is a good position for us to be in."
His concern that the team could fade in the latter stages proved unfounded.
"We have had a tendency of running out of steam in away games but we had a decent bench to help freshen things up," Boyd said.
"Hopefully it can give some more confidence, especially the young lads who can see that what we're doing in training is paying off."
Blairgowrie are next up for the Greens, who have not reported any fresh injury concerns.
The Perthshire side are second bottom but they defeated the Greens on their own patch in October and last month ran Orkney close in Kirkwall.
Anderson is not available for Saturday but Cameron Ryder and Kevin Budge should come back into the equation. Marc Anderson and Jack Sibbald will again face late assessments on their fitness.
The match at Millbank kicks off at 2pm.
Dunfermline extended their hot streak with a 30-14 win at Ellon. The Fifers now lead Orkney by eight points at the top of the table but have played three games more.
Glenrothes remain winless after going down 41-24 to Aberdeen Wanderers in the Granite City.
