A hour after the U18 game finished Ellon First XV played against Moray in glorious weather. A firm pitch, dry sunny weather led to a great game.
Ellon had a strong back line and a developing pack, boosted by Sean Whyte and Kieran O'Brian from the U18 squad playing for the First XV.
Ellon started quick, with John Keith catching the ball and making an amazing run, offloading to the backs who passed through the hands for Ali Addy to score an early try, and then the conversion. A great start which was much needed. Moray kicked a penalty as Ellon strayed offside making it 7 3. Moray soon scored again from a scrum close to the line to make it 7 8.
Stuart Cruickshank played a great dummy and spin out of two tackles, before passing to Addy to score. Conversion was good for and a penalty 5 minutes later for Addy made the half time 17 8.
Early second half both teams missed drop goals attempts, then 20 minutes of pressure by Moray and a great defence finally broke as Moray scored. 17 15. Getting close and the good crowd really egged the team on for an instant Ellon reply! From the KO Ellon won ball back, offloaded to Addy to kick through and chase the ball to score and convert. 24 15. Ellon were really on fire now and again from the KO reclaimed the ball and passed to Doug Sharp (playing second row this week) who outran the three backs and crashed over. After a couple of final minutes the referee blew for the end and both crowd and players erupted as if they had won the league!
A bonus point win 29 15. 5 points and moved out the relegation zone. Lochaber lost to Shetland and are the opposition in Ellon this Saturday. Another big win would see Ellon raise higher and keep Lochaber bottom. The bottom teams will probably lose this weekend, so if Ellon win they would jump to 7th, 2 places clear from relegation. The other teams do have games in hand, but against the top teams in a league with a vast gap between top and bottom.