Euphoria at Pickaquoy as Orkney boost survival hopes

A huge sense of euphoria engulfed the Pickaquoy Centre pitch just before 5pm this afternoon, as Orkney Rugby Club’s hopes of beating the drop received a huge boost, with a 29-26 bonus-point win at home to Hillhead Jordanhill.

Just their third victory of the season, and their first since the start of November, the five points could prove to be crucial in their BT National League Division 3 relegation battle.

Orkney threatened to put the game beyond their Glasgow opponents during arguably their most impressive 40 minutes of the season in the first-half, and led 17-7 at half-time through tries from James Linklater, Don Tualasea and Scott Rendall.

The second half was a scrappier affair as a resurgent Hillhead threatened to spoil Orkney’s day, however further tries from Ally Linklater and Alex Kansour led to a huge outpouring of euphoria from Orkney and their delighted support.