Orkney retain mixed hockey inter-county after remarkable game

ORKNEY have beaten rivals Shetland in a topsy-turvy mixed hockey inter-county clash at Brae today (Saturday).

The blues took the lead through Joshua MacColl and were one goal to the good at the break.

However their opponents, who had won the 2025 fixture, levelled through a well-worked short corner routine from Murray Sinclair after half-time.

Sophie Jamieson put Shetland back in front in the third quarter though, reacting quickest when the ball broke from an Orkney save.

Jake Davies saw a penalty flick for the blues saved in the final quarter as they missed the chance to go 3-1 up.

And just as it seemed like Shetland may hold out for the win, Orkney levelled in the final minutes of the game from another short corner routine for 2-2.

That meant the game went to penalty flicks to decide the direction of the Joan Nicolson cup.

Shetland saw their first two saved and Orkney scored theirs, but then Orkney missed their next two as Shetland it pulled back to 2-2.

Orkney went 3-2 up before Reece Thorne’s penalty was saved – seemingly giving Orkney the victory – but the referee ordered a re-take which gave Shetland one last lifeline.

However Thorne’s second effort was even more acrobatically stopped to spark wild celebrations from Orkney, who retain the title.