Bonus-point victory secures Orkney RFC safety

April 21, 2018 at 1:14 pm

Jonny Perriam takes a good look before awarding Scott Rendall a second try as Orkney beat Perthshire 36-25.

Orkney Rugby Club First XV are assured of their BT National League Division 3 safety, after beating Perthshire 36-25 in an enthralling contest.

With just two points separating the sides prior to kick-off, both sides went for the jugular.

Orkney — roared on by a vocal home support — had enough in the tank to condemn the visitors to defeat, and can now look forward to another season in the national leagues.

The bonus-point win lifts Orkney onto 26 points, and leaves Dalziel, Haddington and Perthshire battling it out in a bid to avoid the two relegation spots.

Orkney dominated the first-half and went into the break 17-5 up courtesy of a James Linklater penalty and converted tries from Scott Rendall and Steven MacPhail.

Perthshire fought back in the second period as play raged from end-to-end.

While there were a few nervous glances at the scoreboard as the visitors cut the deficit, Scott Rendall got his second try of the day and Darren McLean also scored a double to secure a crucial victory.