Caithness Show Grit in Tough Mackie Contest

We started the game strongly from the first whistle. Tom Storey caught the ball from the kick-off and had a strong carry. Our carries were a good platform throughout the game as Mackie started overloading players tight to the ruck, which opened up space for our backs out wide.

Mackie had a lot of good individual tacklers and ball carriers. They scored the first try through a few quick ruck phases. However, it didn’t dampen our spirit, as we still felt we were controlling the game when we had possession of the ball.

We hit straight back after conceding and, following a few strong carries up the middle by our forwards, including Kevin Brims and Dave McIntosh, we managed to swing the ball wide to our backs and exploit that space, with Grant Mackay going over for the try.

Mackie restarted with a kick-off landing on Donald Mackay, which they did a lot throughout the game. He caught them all well and carried in, setting the platform. We played some good, wide rugby, making yards up the field and throwing the ball from end to end.

We were then rewarded with a penalty in midfield, about 25 metres away from the sticks, so it was an easy three-point option, which Marc Anderson kicked. A similar platform was created again by us as we marched up the field to another great running play, which saw Marc Anderson go over for a try. It was 17–7 at this point.

It was a very hot day and the ground was tough, so it took its toll on the boys as a few injuries started occurring for us throughout the game, especially in the second half. This caused a momentum shift, which Mackie capitalised on, scoring two quick tries to make the score 19–17.

With a few minutes left of the first half, we got another penalty kick and took the three points, which led us into the break 20–17.

Mackie made a quick start to the second half and got another try, putting them back in front. To complicate things further for Caithness, Cole Wilson received a yellow card for head contact while he was rucking a Mackie player out (a rubbish decision, according to him!). With us down to 14 men, along with injuries to our boys, Mackie started to take the front foot and scored another try.

Caithness never gave up, and we eventually got a dominant forwards try from a carry by Tommy Sutherland on their five-metre line. Mackie came back at us strongly again with some good carries and strong tackling.

I have to say as well, the hits from our younger lads, such as Gregor Mill and Grant Mackay, were outstanding on the edges. Caithness showed great grit and determination right up to the last minute. However, a strong new Mackie team got the result in the end.

The game finished Mackie 45–27 Caithness. Not all was squandered, though, as Caithness had their Minions costumes on post-game, which looked amazing!

Congratulations to Jak Murray on his debut game. He was very keen for the ball and had some great carries. Well done, lad.

Written by Cole Wilson