Orkney RFC see off Haddington by two points

Nine points from the boot of James Linklater, and an Ally Link try secured Orkney RFC’s first win of 2016, beating an in-form Haddington side 14-12 on a sunny but cold February afternoon at Pickaquoy.

Orkney came into the game, hoping to banish the memories of a heavy 41-12 defeat to Dumfries Saints two weeks ago, while Haddington were hoping to make it seven consecutive victories in BT National League Division 3, a run that has seen them take up second spot in the league.

However, that run would be ended, and it was much to do with the right boot of fly-half Linklater. He opened the scoring at the half-way point in the first half with a fantastic penalty, scoring from just past the half-way line. The away side hit back though, with full-back James Ferguson scoring an impressive try for the East Lothian men. There was no mistake with the conversion, making the score 3-7.

Linklater had another opportunity with a penalty attempt on the 35 minute mark, and he had no problems, scoring a beautiful kick from Orkney’s left to make it 6-7. Things were to get better on the stroke of half-time for the home side as Ally Linklater bundled his way over the line for Orkney’s one and only try of the match to make the half-time score 11-7.

With Orkney imposing themselves on the away side at the start of the second half, they came out all guns blazing and went close to scoring several tries. However, it was again Linklater who proved he had nerves of steel, scoring another penalty to put Orkney seven points ahead.

With the match now heading into the final stages, Haddington scored a unconverted try to give the away side hope of another victory. With the momentum now with the visitors, Orkney started to be pinned back inside their 22. Despite the onslaught of pressure, there was no way through a resolute and determined Orkney side who are now level on points with fifth placed Perthshire.