Just over three weeks after coming together, Moray RFC’s S1/2s for 2013-14 played their 1st match against a visiting team from Thurso and Wick.
But the fixture nearly didn’t take place, as Caithness were short of players, but in the spirit of ‘making the fixture happen’, four Moray players thankfully changed shirts for the day, and blended into the Northern sides numbers, which gave them a full match run out, so enabling coaches to assess their skills, stamina and capabilities.
 On a day that started bright, at least it didn’t rain, the kick off came on a good pitch and home support from family watching eagerly.
Early exchanges kept the score level, and at the end of the first fifteen minute period, with two converted tries a piece, the score was 8-8.
 Thanks goes to the calm leadership by Gregor Alexander which helped to ensure that this first outing started competitively.
 Strong midfield runs by George Hurst, and Nathan Bradley chipped in with a hard fought try.
Josh Chapman made Caithness think with his strong running, and he also capped off his first appearance for Moray with a well earned try, while stout defence from Vice Captain Ryan Robertshaw held up the green and gold advances, and then in attack Ryan popped up on the left wing to score an equalising try, managing to make it round under the posts to help make Rory Millar’s conversion kicking task easier. Rory successfully kicked 2 out of 3 conversations on a windless day.
 The second period was a tighter affair, with both sides trying to gain dominance, but Caithness managed to score more tries, 2-1, all unconverted in the second period with an interval score of 11-14.
 The final period was a one sided affair. Despite strong attempts to put pressure on the Caithness line from Brogan Thomson and Ronan Walker, Moray were unable to breach the defence.
As Moray rung the changes, to ensure that everyone played, Caithness managed to find space down the wings, scoring four unconverted tries, and at the final whistle the score read Moray 11 Caithness 26.
On this opening day of the S1/2 season, thanks must go to those who helped with this fixture. Coaches staff Tim Hurst and Tony Clark, and caterers Mel Waters and Debbie Parker-Banfield, whose food was appreciated by all.
And of course to players of both sides, but particularly Caithness S1/2s – players and coaches, for travelling down to Morriston short handed, but left with taste of victory.
Report by Phil Kelly
Photos by Pete Bradley
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