Ellon 14 v RHC 7

Published: 08/11/2010 (www.pressandjournal.co.uk)

ELLON made it four National League 1 wins in a row by overcoming Royal High Corstorphine in heavy conditions at Lochinch to keep in touch with the top three teams in the division.

“This was a tough one, particularly in difficult, soft going, but our forwards rose to the occasion and turned in an awesome performance,” said head coach Mike Avis after his side’s narrow 14-7 win.

The back row of Eddie Theron, Glen Douglas and Jack Calvert was the rock on which the Cougars perished, as the visitors turned the screw in the second half, keeping the home side at bay, while centre Mark Ryan won the game with his place kicking.

The ever-reliable Ryan underlined his status as the league’s most prolific kicker, landing three splendid kicks for the Aberdeenshire side to which Kirk John Williams added a try to match the home effort in the first half.

Ellon were, however, forced to defend for most of the half, but did it splendidly to the delight of Avis.

He said: “We were magnificent in defence, getting the basics right and easing through against a side who are now out of the promotion mix.”