Culloden Academy 7   Kirkwall Grammar School 38

The success of Orkney rugby continued this week.  With the adults sweeping all before them to win the Caledonia Division 1 title and promotion to the National Leagues next season.  Their junior colleagues at Under 15 level brought home the Schools Cup to the isles.

Culloden kicked off and with only 27 seconds gone the referee blew his whistle to indicate the first try. Kirkwall caught the kick off and the pack drove forward.  The ball was won quickly from a maul and with 2 passes Kirkwall scored under the posts. The try was converted for a 7-0 lead.  The game then settled down with both sides trying to gain an advantage.  After 10 minutes Culloden made an interception and outsprinted everyone for a try under the posts, which was converted to level the scores at 7-7.

This was a timely “wake-up call” for Kirkwall.   Although their bigger forwards started to take command of the game they were made to work hard as the scramble defence from Culloden stopped several strong breaks.  In reply Culloden were keen to attack but could not hold out Kirkwall who went on to score 3 more converted tries before half-time to make their lead 7-28.

Kirkwall’s lead was increased with an unconverted try just after half-time.  The rest of the half was  very even with both sides testing each other’s defensive capabilities.  The only other score coming from Kirkwall in the last 5 minutes to seal the victory with a score of 7-38

Colin Ballie, the founder of the North School Rugby Association, was on hand to award the trophy to the captain of Kirkwall, Jack Siderfin.  Colin praised both sets of players for a really entertaining game and made special mention of the determination of the Culloden defenders. Colin reminded all the players that despite living in the north, Scotland honours can be achieved, as a number of individuals have already proved