Ellon 17 v Linlithgow 20

Published: 22/11/2010 (www.pressandjournal.co.uk)

ELLON head coach Mike Avis will be challenging his side to rally after a disappointing 20-17 National League 1 defeat at Linlithgow, putting a huge dent in the Aberdeenshire side’s promotion hopes.

“This was a great opportunity lost, especially as Garnock who are just above us in the league were beaten by RHC.

“The players will be asked just how much they want it when we meet up for training on Tuesday,” said a bitterly disappointed Avis.

Ellon failed to get out of the blocks against a limited home side which took advantage of some poor refereeing to ease past the woeful visitors.

“The referee may have been inconsistent, but we can’t lay the blame exclusively at his door, as we contributed to our own downfall,” added Avis, who exempted scrum half Todd Patterson from his scathing assessment.

“Todd was outstanding once again, scoring two tries, and leading by example, as he has done all season.

“Give me 14 other players with his attitude and we would be in business,” said the Ellon coach, who was upset to have scored three tries, but still lost out to the West Lothian side, which had been brushed aside at The Meadows when the sides last met.

Kirk James Williams scored the other touchdown, while centre Mark Ryan kicked a conversion on a day to forget.