It is an annual event held at a different club every year around Scotland. With the tag line “Fun, Friendship and Fraternity” it is always an event based on the older players having some fun.
In a festival format, there is no final winner, just clubs coming together for some games. Players need to be 35 to play and there are special rules for the games, including – no pushing in the scrum, no lifting in lineouts, no clearing out at rucks. There is also the chance to wear different colour shorts dependant on your age and any injuries. This means you either can’t be tackled, just held, or not touched at all; in so allowing the much older players to be involved! This year there was a 76 year old playing for Brechin!
Wonderful weather gave to some great rugby with Ellon doing very well. Beating Brechin Bruces and then Forrester Rubies 2 1 in both games was a great start, followed up by a 2 0 win over Howe of Fife. Next was arch rivals Mackie Mammoths, who Ellon had beaten the previous month in a warm up game. In a close game, Mackie won with a late dubious try!! Finally came Carnoustie. A tough team, made up of some serious players, many from their first team. They had beaten everyone one comfortably so far, and Ellon did well to only lose 1 0.
Next season Ellon Rugby celebrate their 40th year! As part of the celebration they will host the Scottish Golden Oldies Festival at the Meadows Ellon! Keep the 6th of May free for what is expected to be a great family day out in Ellon.