Orkney coach frustrated at lack of composure

Coltherd admitted his team lacked composure at the key moments, despite carrying the ball well.

He said: “We did the hard part in the first half, containing them to five points while playing into the strong wind, only to fail to take our chances in the second period. We then conceded two gamedefining tries which took the match away from us. It was most frustrating, especially as the guys put so much into the match, but Newton Stewart are not pushing for the title for nothing, and defended magnificently.”

The home side managed to break into the Dumfries and Galloway side’s 22 on a number of occasions in the first half, but in their anxiety to go over the line went for the big pass instead of sticking to simple pick and go tactics. The visitors cashed in with an unconverted try to take the lead through lock Duncan Skimming to lead 5-0 at half time but with the prospect of having the wind at their backs in the second half, home hopes of springing a surprise were high.

Home confidence soon evaporated when Newton Stewart broke out early in the second half, allowing replacement Robert Service to score a try converted by full back Fraser Morton.

This proved to be the defining moment, allowing the visitors to take control with two more touchdowns from flanker Calum Gaw, both of which were converted by Morton, giving them a welcome try bonus point.

Garry Coltherd: Orkney coach is exasperated