Always an exciting fixture between these two long-standing rivals, this encounter did not disappoint!
Being the 10th Anniversary of the Inverness Women’s reforming, what better way to mark the occasion than the teams being piped onto the pitch prior to the start. Huge thanks to Craig Dunain’s very own Alan Hasson for doing the honours.
A healthy crowd of supporters was in attendance for this club double header, including some women from the original women’s team and also players from the early years of the reformed squad. This lent a celebratory atmosphere to the proceedings as they were treated to an exciting game of attacking rugby.
As expected, it was a high tempo affair with big hits and fierce competition over the ball at every breakdown and set piece. Within the first quarter though, through some nifty handling and great support play, the ball found its way wide to winger Madison Clay-Shewan, who whilst engulfed by forwards, touched down for her first try of the match.
Within 10 minutes, scrum half Frederica Stefani extended the home team’s lead to 10-0 and very soon afterwards, flanker Annie McDougal danced her way through the Orkney defence to score. This was converted by the trusty boot of Kaylan Grainger leaving the score at 17-0.
After the flurry of Inverness tries, Orkney retaliated strongly and shaking off their travel legs, caught the Inverness women napping and scored and converted a try of their own leaving the score at 17-7.
During the remaining minutes of the first half, Craig Dunain held their composure and moved the ball back and forth probing for gaps in the Orkney defence as well as dominating in the scrum. Once again as the ball came wide on the field, Madison was there to score her second try which was duly converted by Kaylan to leave the half time score at 24-7
The second half saw a change in the Inverness personnel in line with the squad policy of giving all players a minimum of half a game. A shift of position for some forwards and backs and the introduction of new players in front and second row meant some readjustments, but no change in the style of play for the team.
The second half started with strong attacking intent by both teams. Craig Dunain created some great chances and second row, Sharon Brotherton soon broke through the Orkney defence to score her first well deserved try for the team in a 15’s game. Once again this was ably converted by Kaylan. Within minutes and the team’s confidence running high, no 8, turned centre, Katrina Browne duly scored team try number 6 of the afternoon and this was converted by Kaylan once again leaving the score at 38-7.
Orkney fought back at this point showing their quality, determination and resilience in the face of a seemingly unsurmountable target. Coupled with the Inverness women hitting a second half slump and losing concentration defensively, the Orkney women rallied to score 3 tries in quick succession with one conversion. This was deserved reward for their hard work both on and off the ball during the game and it lifted their spirits and gave energy and purpose to their tired legs.
The Inverness women then regrouped and refocussed and during the final 10 minutes during which they secured a Lineout in the Orkney 22. Confident in their abilities, they executed a new move straight off the training ground from the previous Thursday and from this, and through great support play between Donna MacKenzie and Jess Butler they outwitted the Orcadians for player/coach Jess to touch down for a try. There followed another successful conversion by Kaylan and she then duly finished the game off in style by scoring and converting a try of her own leaving the final score at Inverness Craig Dunain Women 52- Orkney Dragons 24
Tries: Madison Clay-Shewan (2), Federica Stefani, Annie McDougall, Sharon Brotherton, Katrina Browne, Jess Butler, Kaylan Grainger
Conversions: Kaylan Grainger (6)
Forward of the Match: Kayleigh Rose
Backs of the Match: Jenna Woods
Forward/Back of the Match: Donna MacKenzie.
Player of the Match (picked by Orkney): Annie McDougall
The women’s final game before Christmas sees them welcome the Peterhead Women to Canal Park on Saturday 17th December where they look to build on their run of being unbeaten at home this season. In their previous encounter this season, the ICD women came away with the away win.