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181006 Weekend review Tough game for Ellon First XV

181006 Weekend review Tough game for Ellon First XV

Gareth D Kemp8 Oct 2018 - 13:43
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Mixed weekend of rugby for Ellon as the First XV come up against a tough Dunfermline away, and Ellon just edge Deeside/Garioch.

Ellon First XV travelled to Dunfermline, a game they knew would be tough. Dunfermline have been near the top of the league for a few years now. And it showed on Saturday. Ellon battled hard for 15 minutes but after Dunfermline scored, they only went forward, dominating the game. Ten tries, six conversations and a penalty gave a 63-0 win to Dunfermline. Ellon take a lot from the game, with the coaches and captains looking at how to develop this young team. First season up in Caledonia one, and Ellon sit 5th, which is fantastic for a first season and such a young team.
Youth continued in the Lancer Conference against a combined Deeside/Garioch. Saturday the U18 played away in Inverurie, with a number of key players away, the game was more than expected. It was a great end to end game, both high scoring and great skill on show. Ellon forwards dominated, while Deeside centres dominated the backs. James Hamilton at 9 for Ellon stood out, along with Jack Duncan. A special mention for Kai Taylor who played up from U16 on the wing. Final score was 31-41 to Ellon, with Ellon fixing their spot in second place at half way and qualify for the National Cup!
The U16 game is also a qualifying game for the National Cup. It is either Deeside/Garioch or Ellon that get in. With Deeside having a number of players away on a school trip the SRU allowed the game to be postponed to 7th November midweek under lights.
Ellon sit second in the league joint with Deeside.
U13 and U14 played Sunday morning in Inverurie. U13 lost 24-14 and U14 lost 17-0. Both Ellon squads played well, U13 match was the top two at this age and the game showed, with great rugby from both sides. Ellon U14 had a number of key injuries and a few off with sickness bug. Starting with 14 and dropping to 12 at one point, Ellon did well to hold Deeside out.
Finally on Sunday U15 match went ahead in Banchory. Ellon dominated from the start, with a try in the first minute with Daniel Gillies scoring and Josh Andrew converting successfully. The request from coaches for dominant tackles was answered early in the game with Ross Davidson putting in a huge hit on a Deeside player. This spurred on his team mates and as a result Ellon’s aggression in the tackle and defensive line speed nullified any of Deeside’s attacking play.
A break through and strong running from Josh Watson carried him over for a try in the 7th minute with Josh Andrew again converting successfully. Jamie Brooks went over to score in the 17th minute after multiple phases of play from the forwards, converted successfully by Josh Andrew. Quick thinking from a penalty inside Deeside’s 22 allowed Fin Hagen to punch a hole in the disorganised Deeside defence and a pass out wide gave Daniel Gillies his 2nd try at 22 minutes. Josh Andrew, yet again, converted successfully. Shortly after, Arran Whitaker had to come off the pitch after a post tackle collision which unfortunately ended painfully for him.
Jamie Christie drove through the Deeside defence for a try under the posts in the last minute of the half thanks to turnover ball from huge pressure on a Deeside scrum. Josh Andrew added the extra 2 points
The second half started the same way that the first half ended. Ellon scored what they thought were 3 tries in the first 5 minutes but each one was chalked off by the referee. However, in the 40th minute, Fin Hagen scored off the back off of an increasingly dominant scrum. Josh Andrew converted successfully. 2nd contender for tackle of the day came along via Liam Park taking down a charging Deeside forward twice his size, raising a huge cheer from the watching crowd showed that size does not matter in rugby when technique is spot on! Ellon scored twice more in the 52th and 55th minute from Archie Falconer and Fin Hagen with Josh successfully converting both to bring the game to an end at 0-56 to Ellon.
Ellon sit comfortably second in the U15 table.

Ellon Junior section headed to Aberdeen Grammar for a festival, playing across the P3 to P7 age bands they showed how well they have been training this season. They are looking forward to tournament seasons in the New Year!

Grampian Girls which Ellon girls play within, travelled to Montrose for a friendly. Playing at U15 and U18. Winning at U15 and missing out on a fast passed 8 aside game at U18.

Up next for the First XV is a home game Saturday to Glenrothes. Both on the same points mid table it should be a great game.
All youth and juniors now have a couple of weeks off games as the holidays have started. Next games are the 28th October.

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