Orkney and Caithness youngsters prepare for National Final

Orkney and Caithness’s young rugby players are travelling down to Edinburgh as they prepare to play in one of the biggest games of their short rugby careers so far — a National Final at Murrayfield. The Orkney and Caithness Under 18 rugby side are set to go head-to-head against Dundee Eagles in the Under-18 Youth Bowl Final which is to be played on Murrayfield’s back pitches on Sunday afternoon.

Kirkwall teenager, Sam Croy, the sides’ captain, did expect some nerves kick-off but thought that the excitement of the occasion will overcome any nerves.

“Emotions will be high, but everyone has just got to settle down in that first minute and play the game we want to play, and let our crowd do the speaking.”

The side beat Ayrshire side, Garnock 24-20 to seal their place in the final; a remarkable feat given that the Caithness contingent of the side couldn’t travel that day due to the weather conditions meaning that some boys had to be called despite carrying injuries or having played little or no rugby this season.

Leslie Howard, who is involved with under 18 side said: “It’s been great, the boys get on well together and getting a game down at Murrayfield, we never thought it would be as good as that.”

The final is due to kick-off at 2pm at Murrayfield.