Garnock made the long trip to Kirkwall to face hosts Orkney Rugby Club in National 3. Following an early flight the players arrived in plenty time to get the travel out of their legs and prepare.
The game kicked off with Garnock playing against the breeze. The early signs were ominous with Orkney scoring a converted try within the first three minutes. The lads put this setback behind them and concentrated on their game plan and structures. For the next 25 minutes Garnock dominated territory and possession, securing ball and making yards through their strong pack . Not to be outdone the backs also looked dangerous with stand off Gareth McCrorie and centres Ally Anderson and Jared Reekie catching the eye.
During their dominant period Garnock scored three tries through Anderson, Ross Brocket and Gareth McCrorie. Two were converted taking the score to 19-7 to Garnock. The home side increased their efforts and scored a converted try before Garnock finished the half strongly with a further converted try through Jared Reekie.
The half-time chat was all about starting the second half strongly and being first to add to the score board. Unfortunately the best laid plan etc etc and Orkney started strongly camping in Garnock 22. They ultimately scored taking the game to 21-26.
From the restart Garnock again were forced back and found themselves deep in their own territory. The pack turned over the ball and centre Jared Reekie found a gap on his own 10m line to break the line. As Garnock supporters will be aware if you give Reekie an inch he will take a mile and so it proved as he cruised away from the defence to score. 21-31
Unfortunately Garnock did not exit well from the restart and despite a long period of strong defence Orkney eventually wore the visitors down to make it 26-31
In this see-saw tussle Garnock were next to add to the score with evergreen Gareth McCrorie spotting a gap on the home 22 and squeezing through untouched. 26-36
This only seemed to spur the home side on and they added two fine tries in the next 10 minutes putting them back in front by 38-36 with 10 minutes to go.
Garnock concentrated their efforts determined to reverse the setbacks. With 6 minutes to go Garnock were awarded a penalty 30m out which scrum-half Keir Walker calmly slotted to give the visitors a one point lead.
The final few minutes were tense however Garnock managed their defence well and kept the home side well away from scoring opportunities and using their big pack to keep the game tight.
The match finished with Orkney running a penalty from their own 10m line. Unfortunately for them the ball carrier ran into Garnock prop Matt Shiells who stripped them of the ball and passed it replacement second row Cameron King who calmly kicked it into touch to bring the final whistle.
This was a very evenly fought contest which between two well matched sides. With both sides trying to play attractive rugby they were assisted by good refereeing who was keen to keep play flowing where possible.
Orkney Rugby Club are excellent hosts and we look forward to visiting them again next season .
Garnock’s next fixture is on 22nd February away to Dumfries
Garnock squad Shiells, O’Neill, Chapman, McGeachy, A Miller, S Wilson, Watson, Brocket, Walker, McCrorie, Wynn, Anderson, Reekie, Young, Jacobson Reps C Wilson, F Miller, King and Hutton
