Krakens want more after capital day out

Some of the Caithness Krakens had a great day out at Hive Stadium last Saturday – and now the whole team is hoping to have an even better time in Kirkcaldy this afternoon.

Seven days ago, eight members of the women’s section were given the opportunity to be official Guinness Women’s Six Nations flag-bearers at the Scotland-France game in Edinburgh.

The chance came as recognition of all the great work that is going across the whole Caithness club to facilitate women and men’s rugby.

“We had to be at Murrayfield for 11am which meant a 5.30am start to make sure we made it on time,” said Anja Johnston, who was joined by fellow Krakens Hazel Stewart, Emmerleigh Smith, Shauna Malcolm, Lara Campbell, Nicola Mackay, Donna Edwards and Chloe Mackay on the day. “We were met at Murrayfield and taken to pick up our Guinness jackets and goodie bags.

“From there, we were then taken to the Hive Stadium where we had the opportunity to practise the walk on to the field and unveiling of the flag a few times, holding the flag in various positions to ensure we were ready.

“Once this was complete, we were given free time to enjoy the build-up to the game before needing to be back at the tunnel about 25 minutes before kick-off.

“We then walked on to the field in front of the crowd, a few Caithness fans were there on the day and cheers of ‘Come on the Krakens’ were heard by our little team. We then had the absolutely amazing privilege of being on the pitch as the teams ran on and then throughout the national anthems which was just surreal.

“After we came off the pitch, we were able to watch the match, which certainly kept us all on the edge of our seats (France won 15-5) before heading back on to the pitch once the game had finished where we met Scotland players Coreen Grant and Mairi McDonald for a photo opportunity and to be each presented with a medal in recognition of the amazing work going on across Caithness RFC. “It was a brilliant day.” Now the Krakens’ attentions turn to their National Plate semi-final away to Kirkcaldy today at noon. A win would see Caithness earn a place at Silver Saturday on April 27 and they won three games out of three in Pool D to get to the last four.

“We have a full squad so have 22 players ready for the game,” Caithness head coach Mike Flavell said. “Getting to the final would be the pinnacle for us as a team so far and it would then give us an amazing opportunity to help grow the women’s game in Caithness.”

Kirkcaldy-Caithness kicks off at noon with Uddingston and Perthshire meeting in the other Plate semi-final at 2pm tomorrow.

Caithness Krakens play in the National Plate semi.