Rugby team loses to well-drilled Huntly

Shetland 0, Huntly 27

SHETLAND lost their latest game in the Scottish Rugby Union regional leagues to a well-drilled Huntly outfit on Saturday.

Playing with the wind in the first half, Shetland started strongly in the first 10 minutes with a good kicking option which pushed Huntly back on to their line.

Some strong forward play saw Shetland retain possession after a number of phases and they were awarded a scrum five metres from the try line. Shetland tried a number eight pick-up which was halted by Huntly’s back row and Shetland were penalised for not releasing in the tackle.

This seemed to shake Huntly into action and they soon showed the form that has taken them to second place in the league. For the remainder of the half they controlled the game with strong play at the breakdown and an aggressive defence when Shetland were in possession.

Shetland were guilty of giving away too many penalties which eliminated the wind advantage and Huntly scored two converted tries to go 14-0 ahead at half time. Playing into the wind in the second half Shetland did raise their own game and put together some useful phases.

Huntly were still going well, however, and scored midway through the half with an unconverted try. Ten minutes later they struck a penalty between the posts to go 22-0 ahead.

Shetland’s best chance came from a Nathan Coote break but the final pass did not go to hand. With time running out a kick ahead from Huntly bounced favourably for them to gather and score and secure the try bonus point. Overall it was a decent enough performance by Shetland. The deficiencies of earlier games – the scrum and team defence – were greatly improved but Shetland were second best in contact and that was ultimately the deciding factor.

Best for Shetland were Dhanni Moar and Maurice Williamson while Joe O’Connor was the Northwards man of the match.

This weekend sees Shetland travel to Arbroath to play in the Scottish Cup.

Training continues Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 6.30pm at Clickimin and any players, new or old, are more that welcome. For more information log onto www.shetlandrugby.com