Travel weary ladies come up short in Thurso
Caithness Krakens 29
Oban Lorne Ladies 20
National Shield (group stages)
A bitterly cold Saturday saw Oban Lorn Ladies travel to Thurso to take on the Caithness Krakens in the second game of their National Shield campaign.
With a 19-strong traveling side, the ladies took to the field with heavy legs from the journey.
Oban received the ball from the kick-off and hit the ground running but the visitors struggled to keep formation and composure due to the with the lightning quick pace, leading to early problems and disruption.
Poppy McKillop and Rachel MacDonald linked well and applied pressure to the Krakens looking for gaps.
Some big carries from Caitlin Fowler and Lindsay MacMillan pushed the Krakens back into their own half but some poor handling saw the Krakens regain possession. A good tackle from Drew Buckley sent the ball out allowing Jordan MacIntyre to shine in the line out.
Handling errors crept in again however, allowing the Krakens 15 to show her skill and plant the ball firmly under the posts.
A wake-up call for the Oban side and not to be left on the back foot, the girls settled in to their rhythm and a quick sequence of off loads saw them gain ground rapidly.
Through heavy hits and good communication Oban found themselves on the five-metre line, giving Julie Campbell the opportunity to charge through and add Oban’s first points.
Caithness upped the tempo and used their strength wisely, working hard to add more points to the score line.
Not to be outdone, Poppy McKillop found her stride and a gap just big enough to score in the corner, leaving the score line at 14-10 at half time.
From the restart Oban lost their pace. A few injuries started to creep in as crucial players were taken off and others were playing out of position. The Krakens took advantage and ran in two tries.
A strong Oban forward pack took the reins and started hammering into the Krakens defensive line. Edging closer and closer, some interesting footwork from Julie Campbell saw her cross the line for a second time.
From the restart there was messy play from both sides as the wind picked up and the handling errors crept in.
Seizing her opportunity, Anna Bain dove across the line to leave her mark on the score line at 29-20.
With some returning talent in the form of Lucy Stewart and fresh leg from Mull’s Sophie Ralston Oban pushed hard to make up the extra points.
Sadly, the clock was against them and the score line remained the same as the final whistle blew.
Oban’s Forward of the Match on the day was Caitlin Fowler, with Back of the Match going to Ellie MacInnes.
Caithness Krakens awarder their Player of the Match to Julie Campbell.
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Kilmelford, Oban£27,750 to £32,250 per annum
Community Engagement Officer - North Arran Community Benefit Society
Isle of ArranUp to £26,208 per annum
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Latest News
JOBS
Fish Health & Welfare Technician - Kames
Kilmelford, Oban£27,750 to £32,250 per annum
Community Engagement Officer - North Arran Community Benefit Society
Isle of ArranUp to £26,208 per annum
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