Ellon Rugby First XV record a 79 0 win over Shetland to boost them up to 6th in the league.
In a busy weekend for Ellon Rugby the First XV had a full squad for the first time this season and came up against fellow relegation battle team Shetland at the Meadows. With a young team picked, 14 of the 21 squad had come through the Junior and Youth section, which just shows how well the club is developing players. Of the 14 men, the average age was 19 and 6 of them are also part of the U18 squad. With only a win acceptable for survival, Ellon came out blazing, with an early penalty slotted by Stuart Cruickshanks. Then came the first try to Danny McGregor, converted by Cruickshanks. 4 more tries came in the first half as Ellon played fast flowing rugby on a dry pitch. Veteran hooker Neil Scott got on the score sheet with a try against his old club. At half time it was 36 0 and Ellon had the 4 try bonus point as well. Second half continued as the first left, with Ellon not taking the foot of the peddle. Well aware that points difference could come into it in the fight for survival. Now playing into a strong wind, Ben Shirron scored early second half to continue the momentum. This was followed up with 6 more tries, all to the young lads in the squad – Kieran O’Brian, Jake Martin, Greg Jack, Grant Drummond, Doug Sharp, and Sam Archibald. Final try tally was 12 and the final score 79 0, with 5 points to Ellon. The biggest crowd of the season saw a great spectacle of rugby by Ellon. Lochaber didn’t play due to flooded pitches, however Stornoway lost to Aberdeen Wanderers at home. These results put Stornoway in the hot seat for relegation, while Ellon are boosted up the league. The next two games will be important to Ellon, first up is top of the table Deeside this Saturday at 15:00 at the Meadows, then a week’s break before playing Lochaber in the final game of the season at Ellon. Deeside haven’t played since their loss to Wanderers on 12th March. They will be a little nervous coming to Ellon now with the team on the rise.