After a protracted season, the Inverness Women finally got to play their final league Match, with a bonus point win the aim, in order to have a chance of finishing league runners up this season.
With warm, dry conditions and the ground being good to firm, the game got underway under “Game on Rules” with 13 a side.
The Inverness women came out in determined fashion and took the game to Fraserburgh at every opportunity, dominating the scrum throughout the game, which they have done pretty much consistently throughout the season. Their Lineout was also on top form with them winning both their own, and Annie McDougall doing what she has done so well all year, supported by our lifters, stealing pretty much all of the oppositions too.
The whole focus of this season has been to play fast, heads up, attacking rugby and during this game all of the skills that the squad have been working on came together resulting in some great team and individual tries. Some great handling, superb lines and outstanding support play was on show and the belief in each other and playing for each other was clearly on show to the spectators. The squad also continues to focus on player versatility ensuring they are comfortable in several positions on the field. Once again, this upskilling proved to be crucial as some players took up different roles to their favoured or usual position.
That’s not to say that the women did not have to work extremely hard against a Fraserburgh side that were very strong and physical around the breakdown and tackled hard. They were relentless in both attack and if not for their formidable defence in their 22, Craig Dunain would have scored several more times.
Praise must also be given to our fly-half Kaylan Grainger whose accuracy with the boot was sublime during the game.
Due to injuries and work commitments etc, we were joined by three players from our good friends in Stornoway, Eilidh, Liv and Mo. They slipped into the squad seamlessly and scored two of the tries, and our thanks go out to them.
All in all, a game played with joy and in the true spirit of rugby.
Official Final Score: 63-10
Tries
Hannah Chisholm (C) – 3
Donna MacKenzie – 3
Sharon Brotherton -1
Jen Eyre -1
Olivia Woodley -1
Eilidh Nicolson -1
Conversions
Kaylan Grainger -9
Forward of the match- Sharon Brotherton
Back of the Match- Kaylan Grainger
Player of the Match (as picked by Fraserburgh)- Hannah Chisholm