Dundee Valkyries 43 - 0 Kirkcaldy RFC Match Report

Yesterday saw our talented 1XV team win their 10th match in a row after a stunning performance against Kirkcaldy at Alloway Place!

Despite a torn up pitch, both teams refused to let the vandalism dampen their spirits and were switched on from the get go. Dundee were able to secure a turnover from the first ruck of the game with Suzanne Hodge exhibiting some textbook rucking skills. This was followed by some sexy phases of play by the forwards and backs alike, and Captain Stephanie Craig took advantage of a gap in Kirkcaldy’s mid-field defence to fly over the try line to open the scoring. This was successfully converted by inside centre Emma Mackinnon who was deservedly treated to some singing from Dundee’s supporters on the sideline.

This was soon followed by a well-executed try by fly-half Moya Griffin, after a well-placed kick into the opposition’s 22 and a beautiful chase put her in the perfect position to run the ball across the line. This was again successfully converted by Emma Mackinnon.

Kirkcaldy showed they were not ready to give up yet though and after a couple of infringements from Dundee, were able to make some metres and secure a lineout in Dundee’s 22. Despite this, second row Emma Dodd demonstrated her worth with an excellent steal in the lineout and a powerful carry. The hosts were keen to maintain their momentum and an immaculate team effort resulted in a third and four try, with fly-half Moya Griffin and hooker Eloise Salt driving hard across the whitewash. Another conversion by the golden boot of Emma Mac sealed the deal.
Despite some penalties awarded to Kirkcaldy, they were unable to get past the impenetrable Dundee defence. The Valkyries made the most of this, securing a turnover in the breakdown and seeing Emma Mackinnon score another trademark try right under the posts which she again converted, much to the delight of the home crowd.

Not finished yet, the Valkyries continued to pile on the pressure and after a perfect line break by Katja van der Heijden, and a number of pick-and-go moves by the forwards, Emma Dyce crashed over the line to score another try.

Half-time score: 38-0.

The ladies in red and blue opened the second half with renewed energy and some hard-to-stop runs, including some excellent passages of play from their backs which put the Valkyries on the back foot. But Dundee were able to regain possession after a knock-on and build the phases to score another powerful team try, this time taken over the line by Laura MacCormick in her first outing with the 1XV (yass qween!).
This was to be the last score of the match though as an injury meant the game had to end prematurely. We wish the injured Kirkcaldy player all the best in her recovery and thank Kirkcaldy for making the journey up to play us!

A big thank you to Valkyries Aimee Mitchell and Gabby Downie who very kindly volunteered to play for Kirkcaldy to ensure the game could go ahead.
We would also like to thank the volunteers who worked tirelessly to make the pitch playable in the days leading up to the match. They did an incredible job repairing the pitch in such a short period of time. Without them, this wouldn’t have been possible.
Finally, a shout out to all the friends and family who came to watch us this season- we appreciate your support so much!

After ending the year on an over 500 point high, the Valkyries now turn their attention to the all-important play-off match which will take place in the New Year. The date and opposition team are still to be determined but the Valkyries continue to turn up to training week-in-week-out to ensure they are ready for what is sure to be a challenging test.

Forward of the match: Emma Dodd
Back of the match: Moya Griffin
Opposition Nominated Player of the Match: Emma Mackinnon