Rugby returns during busy weekend of sport

Dumfries Saints RFC are set to call in at Pickaquoy this Saturday afternoon, as Orkney’s rugby stars kick their 2018/19 season under way.

In a tough season-opener for the islanders, Orkney face defending champions Saints in the opening round of the National League Cup.

Saints — who beat Kelso in last year’s final — narrowly missed out on promotion to Tennent’s National League Division 1 last year, meaning that Orkney will go into the tie as underdogs.

Kick-off is scheduled for 2pm.

Also at the Pickaquoy Centre, in what is believed to be the first inter-county gymnastics competition, Orkney Gymnastics Club is set to welcome Shetland.

Saturday will see Orkney’s gymnasts and coaches undergo training alongside the more experienced Shetlanders, while on Sunday, close to 60 gymnasts will compete in an inter-county competition, starting from 10am at the Picky Centre.

The tenth annual Rousay Lap Half-marathon will take place on Saturday, starting at 12 noon.

The free family fun half-marathon sees participants run, cycle or walk from the pier to the main circular road and around Rousay.

The lap is open to all ages, but under-16s must have their parent or guardian sign the entrance form and under-12s must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.

There is still time to enter. For an entry form, please go to www.rewdt.org. Alternatively, entry forms can be picked up in Trek and Travel and Cycle Orkney in Kirkwall, or entrants can also come along on the day and register before the race.

This year’s lap will once again start at the pier and the race will be anti-clockwise around the island, finishing by Trumland House.

Another run and walk is set to be held in Westray, with the biannual Bisgeos 12-mile run/walk.

The 12-mile run/walk starts from Rapness Terminal at 10am, while a one-mile run and walk will take place from Quoys, Westside from 11am. A three-mile event will set off from Roadsmire, Westside at 11.30am. Registration closes 15 minutes prior to start times.

Orkney Rowing Club will also be holding a yoal regatta on Saturday

Six races are set to be held, with boats in the water by 11.30am at the Burray Slip. Race registration is from 11am.

Racing is set to get underway from 12 noon with the veteran men, while there will also be races involving veteran women, open men and women, and veteran mixed and open mixed. All races are to be held over a distance of approximately 1km.

In football, a defining fixture at the top of the Orkney Cheese ‘A’ League will take place on Saturday night.

Second hosts first, as Stromness welcome Thorfinn to the Market Green for the 6.30pm kick-off.

A draw or win for Thorfinn would secure the title for the greens, while Stromness have to win to keep their hopes alive.

On Sunday, Firth host Sandwick at 3pm and Stenness welcome Stromness Burgh to Harray at 6pm, in the semi-finals of the Thornley Binders Cup.