Ryder's late penalty settles Sinclair Cadzow Memorial Cup clash
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A LAST-ditch kick secured a win for the Greens against the Exiles in an exciting Sinclair Cadzow Memorial Cup match at Millbank on Boxing Day.
A large crowd turned out in fine weather for the traditional festive fixture which sees the Caithness players go head to head with a squad comprising exiles and students.
At half-time the Greens led 19-5 but the Exiles came back strongly, taking the score to 19 each. However, Cameron Ryder slotted a penalty with the last kick to make it 22-19 to Caithness.
First-half try scorers for Caithness were Ben Bisset, Cameron Ryder and Scott Webster, with Ryder adding two conversions. Liam Brims, who led the Exiles, scored nine of his side's 19 points.
Scott Webster was named as man of the match.
Head coach Ewen Boyd said: "It was a close game – in the past they have been a bit one-sided. A big hand should be given to Russell Mill and Paul Robertson, the two referees – they made it an entertaining match.
"It was a good community day for Caithness RFC with at least 300 people at the pitch."
Presenting the trophy at the end was Sinclair Cadzow's sister Elaine, who was making a visit home to the north of Scotland to celebrate Christmas with her mother Eilidh, who now lives in Tain. Mrs Cadzow travelled to Thurso to watch the match along with her daughter.
Ewen said: "We are now looking forward to lots of big games in 2020."
The Greens' first home match of 2020 in National League Division Three is against Murrayfield Wanderers on Saturday, January 11, with a 2pm kick-off. The following Saturday they are away to Strathmore.
