Its hard to come up with appropriate superlatives for this young Mackie team without sounding biased (as one of their coaches) or trite (and seem unimaginative); so here goes! Awesome, awesome, awesome!
We went into this game with confidence but aware that we faced a stiff test against an Orkney side who had themselves done very well this season.
Mackie got off to a great start, scoring a try in the opening minutes but the visitors came straight back at them with a try after some dithering in the Mackie defence. The game then settled into a rythym as a contest, with the big Orcadian forwards testing the tackling of their counterparts and Mackie seeking to control the ball and spin it wide to their attack. However by half way through this opening period Mackie began to win the battle and scored 4 more tries before half time one with a impressive drive from the pack and the others showing some pace and slick passing from the backs. The pick of the bunch however was Danny Elphinstones sublime chip and chase effort which brought a roar of appreciation from the substantial crowd. Half time 29-5.

The second half brought the predicted fight back from the visitors though at no time did the hosts look in any danger of being overtaken. Orkney provided a threat through their forwards and ran in 2 more converted tries to make the game interesting but Mackie responded with a further converted try to leave the final score 36 - 17 in favour of home team.

I really enjoyed this match and from the reaction of all the coaches, players and spectators, so did everyone else. It was played in a very good spirit by both teams and well adjudicated by referee Ray Mellis. Both sets of players deserve a lot of credit but to Mackie go the spoils of victory and a cup final against Dundee Eagles in St. Andrews on the 29th.
I can't wait!

Willie Craig