Orkney encounter is useful test ahead of Greens’ league opener
Caithness men continued their preparations for the new rugby season with a home friendly run-out against neighbours Orkney.
A joint training session was held before Saturday’s match at Millbank, which was split into three stints of 25 minutes.
Orkney ended up victors by 38 to 26 in a tussle which proved useful in the Greens’ build-up to their first Caledonian Region League 1 match at home to Mackie on August 31.
The islanders ended up runners-up in National League 3 last season and in their last outing got to the semi-finals of the Peebles Sevens.
Cameron Boyd had a squad of 25 for the Greens’ second pre-season match following their 96-28 drubbing in Inverness the previous week.
The visitors got off to a supercharged start when they opened the scoring with their first possession.
Captain Chris Guthrie broke several would-be tackles on his rampaging run to the line.
Youth-team graduate Brogan Russell then showed a clean pair of heels to breeze in for the first of the right winger’s two tries.
Orkney’s domination of the first 25 reaped further reward when hooker Scott Rendall burrowed over after a lengthy barrage on the Caithness line.
Two conversions from another under-18 product Alex Scarth had them 19-0 ahead at the first turnaround.
Caithness went on to boss the second period. Their defence improved and they were regularly building incisive multi-phase attacks.
An early blitz on the Orkney line created the space for lock Kevin Budge to cross, with Cammy Ryder converting.
Within two minutes, Orkney’s Liam Moar profited from a classy offload to touch down to put his side 24-7 in front.
Duncan Mackay and Gordie Macleod were then narrowly denied at the other end before the Webster brothers, Scott and Douglas, did the legwork for lock Kevin Brims to go over.
The fast-flowing action had the feel of a Sevens encounter, with the next blow struck by Orkney when teenager Russell raced clear to create some much-needed extra breathing space for his side.
Full-back Jamie Hutchison’s converted try extended the margin to 38-12.
The third 25 saw both sides empty their benches, leading to more of a stop-start contest, with multi-phases very much at a premium.
Caithness scored the last two tries through Cole Wilson and Hamish Coghill, both close-quarters affairs after sieges on the try line.
Scarth ended the day with four conversions and counterpart Ryder with three.
Coach Boyd emerged much happier than he had following the pummelling inflicted on his side by Highland Seconds.
He said: “I thought it was a pretty decent display against a side who will be one of the favourites to win National League 3.
“They are a very physical side and look to take contact on their own terms to give them a platform to play.
“It’s their super-strength and if you are not absolutely on it against them, it’s going to be very difficult for you to compete.”
Boyd said both Websters stood out while Max Kennedy continues to impress after his switch from the back row to outside centre.
Replacement lock Reece Mowat also made a mark on his return to the game, though he blotted his copybook with a yellow card.
Kennedy (calf), Duncan MacMillan (shoulder) and Jamie Mowat (ankle) all went off with knocks.
Boyd is hoping all three will be fit for the Mackie game.
Orkney coach Garry Coltherd said: “We had most of our usual pack but there were a few backs missing and several were playing out of position.
“We got off to a good start but when Caithness stiffened up their defence it was a good, competitive game. They gave us a good battle and overall it was a very useful exercise in getting us ready for the new season.”
It had been hoped to have a three-way tournament at Millbank on Saturday, also involving Oban Lorne, but the latter had to call off following the death of club stalwart Darrell Williams.