Close run match for Turriff RFC
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Turriff RFC men put in another strong performance, just coming short against Caithness Rugby FC 2nd XV.
Other than the Thurso breeze conditions were great for a game of rugby and both teams were up for it.
Turriff picked up where they left off from Ellon and started strong, putting pressure on the Caithness team who were eventually penalised in front of the posts for not rolling away.
Fraser Geddes had his kicking boots with him again and slotted the ball through to give an early lead of 0-3.
Caithness responded well and had multiple opportunities to score however the Turriff defence was working extremely hard and stopped the advances, Alan Elphinstone kicking extremely well from hand to keep them out of the Turriff 22.
However Caithness used the phases and found a small gap to reach over for the first try of the game which was converted.
They almost found themselves in for another, however scrum half Daniel Chisholm read the play beautifully to intercept and give Turriff possession with an unstructured defence.
A few forward phases were used and then the ball went wide to Euan Crawford who burst through the defenders and offloaded to Mark Davidson who finally had a chance to stretch his legs and run most of the pitch beating numerous defenders to go in under the posts.
Geddes successfully converted again to give the extras.
Caithness found themselves near the try line again and used a quick tap and hands to go over for another which was unconverted.
Turriff responded well and were moving their way down the pitch, however possession was lost and Caithness put the ball out to go into half time with a score of 12-10 to the home side.
Caithness came out strong into the second half and penalties forced Turriff back into their own half.
Quick phases and hands out wide put them over for another unconverted try.
Now with the wind behind them they kicked over the line to put pressure on the back three, stole the ball and went over for another which was converted.
Turriff regrouped and used the hands to get wide to Davidson who left defenders behind to get Turriff into the 22.
Quick ball then went out to Corey Sneddon who went along the touch line and beat the last few to get his second try of the season.
The angle was challenging for the kick which was just wide.
Caithness had the final say of the game with another try out wide which they converted.
Full time - 31-15
TURFC's Isla Jack said: "The score line does not reflect just how closely contested this game was, in the end it was just the extra numbers for Caithness that gave them the edge.
"The set piece functioned well, the new back line settled as the game went on and the whole team put 100 per cent effort into what was an exciting game to watch.
"Special mentions go to Kenny from Highland and Steven from Caithness for putting on a Turriff shirt to help us out, and to our debutant David Rae who had a great first game - we’re looking forward to seeing you on the pitch again soon."
Turriff RFC Men have their first home game of the season on Saturday, October 2 with a 3pm kick off against Inverness Craig Dunain.
As always they would appreciate any support from the sidelines and welcome new players of all experience levels at training.
