Krakens lose out after good-luck message from Scottish international Finn Russell
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Caithness women's rugby players got extra motivation as they prepared to take on Aberdeenshire Quines at Millbank on Saturday.
They received a podcast from Scottish international Finn Russell, who was recalled to the squad for the weekend international against New Zealand.
The Paris-based stand-off said: "I just want to wish all the best today for Caithness Krakens against Aberdeenshire Quines. All the best and I hope you guys win."
The good-luck message unfortunately failed to inspire the Krakens to victory, though they did put up a creditable display in their 33-0 defeat.
The Quines trailed 12-0 at the interval through tries from Maedbh Smyth and Steph Coull.
Nicola Grant, Matilda Magner and Amy McGlashan went on to cross after the break, with McGlashan adding four conversions.
The result leaves the Krakens still waiting for their first win of the season – on the field. They were awarded a win by default after a no-show from Fraserburgh.
On Saturday, they head south to play North Region Women's League leaders Craig Dunain in Inverness.
In the other game, Craig Dunain edged to a 19-17 win at Peterhead to move six points clear at the top.
The women's match was one of three which went ahead at Millbank – making it one of the club's busiest ever days.
Before the Krakens and the Greens were in action, Caithness hosted Murrayfield Wanderers in the Inspiresport Under-16 Girls' League.
Sinclair Dunnett's team went into the national league clash with a record of three wins, one defeat and a draw.
They faded after a promising first half and ended up losing 50-21.
"There were some really good individual performances for us but we just didn't come together as a team," Dunnett said.
"It was pretty even for most of the game but in the last 15 minutes they ran away with it."
The Caithness tries came from Sophie Gunn, Sarah Manson and Megan Mackay, with Cailynn Williamson converting all three.
The result leaves Caithness third in the table going into the mid-season break.
