PICTURES: Ten-hour ferry trip rewarded for Moray Rugby Club with victory over Shetland hosts in Tennent’s Caledonia North Region League Division 2
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Moray made the long road and ferry trip to play Shetland in their latest Tennent’s Caledonia North Region League Division 2 match last Saturday and came away with a good 25-5 win against a team that have proved difficult to beat at home this season.
The weather conditions of hail and wind as well as a very wet pitch was not the best conditions to play in but credit to both sides for trying to play an expansive game despite this.
Moray kicked off and immediately took the game to their island opponents, camping in the 22 for the first 15 minutes or so. The cold conditions were having an early effect with a number of knock-ons due to cold hands. This combined with stout defence stopped any points being put on the board.
In the 16th minute, however, they took the lead. Shetland were caught offside, 20 metres from goal, and stand-off Rory Millar landed the kick for a 0-3 lead.
Four minutes later, a similar penalty was given, this time 30 metres out. Millar again slotted the kick for 0-6.
In the 26th minute, a line-out, deep in the 22, was cleanly taken and moved to second-row David Clarke on the charge. He was held up just short but set ruck. Ball was quickly moved to the backs and centre Connor McWilliam chose a good line, broke the defence and scored. Millar added the conversion for 0-13.
The Elgin side continued to press for the remainder of the half but could not add any further points leaving the half-time score at 0-13.
The islanders made a positive start to the second-half and in the 43rd minute reduced the lead. Following a number of drives for the line which were staunchly repelled, they made the line out wide for an unconverted try and 5-13.
Four minutes later, the Elgin side prodded a penalty to 10 metres out. Ball was taken off the top at the line and moved wide where another penalty was given. A tap penalty was quickly taken and driven before the ball was moved blind to centre Cameron Hughes who scored an unconverted try in the corner for 5-18.
The next 20 minutes saw both teams create chances but defences stood strong.
In the 68th minute, Moray extended their lead. Play progressed to a ruck, five metres out, after a good handling move. McWilliam picked up at the base, spotted a hole and broke through to score. Millar added the conversion for 5-25.
In the final 10 minutes, Moray strived to get a final bonus point winning try but even though they created the opportunities some unenforced errors saw the game finish with a final score of 5-25.
The very cold and wet conditions made handling very difficult but both teams served up a strongly contested match. After the long journey, Moray were very pleased with their win and this set the scene for an enjoyable trip back home.
This Saturday, weather permitting, Moray are away to Aberdeen Grammar 2nds.
