ORKNEY RFC got their National League Division 3 campaign off to a winning start with a 40-17 victory over Ross High RFC at a bright but breezy Pickaquoy outfield on Saturday afternoon.

James Linklater, playing at stand-off, opened Orkney's account for the season with a try after eight minutes.

However, it was late in the half that Orkney did most damage, with a brace of tries from outside centre Bruce Ruthven sandwiching a fine individual score from Phil Ross in the final six minutes.

Ross High slotted a penalty in this busy period of point-scoring, making the half-time tally 22-3 to Orkney.

The second half took a while to come alive, with only a James Linklater penalty in the 50th minute adding to the Orkney score.

It took a great break from Al Watson to put a spark back into the match. He set the ball down behind the posts for a straightforward kick from James Linklater to make it 32-3.

Ross High replied soon after, with Lee Waterson going over for their first try and Paul Davis converting.

However, a James Linklater drop goal followed soon after by another fine try from Phil Ross (pictured) - at full stretch to touch down after dancing his way past a couple of half tackles - took Orkney's points total to 40.

Ross High got a consolation score at the death, with Waterson going over again. Davis' conversion kick to make it 40-17 was the final action of the match.