Grammar Twos, who had a number of their first XV players in the squad. Ellon started a little daunted, as the young squad felt a little nervous. This showed in the number of penalties given away, but with some 50/50 decisions going against them, it took 30 minutes to realise they needed to leave the ball and focus on defence. Grammar took an early lead, scoring 2 tries before Ellon responded. From a line out and drive 20 meters, Shirron spun the ball wide for full back Matt Pearce to score. 2 more tires to grammar and a penalty, gave a score of 29 – 5 and a few thought that the game was over in the first half. This was shown more by another try to grammar from another penalty, 34 – 5 and game over?? Jonny Munro then went over for Ellon as the prop popped up on the wing, throwing a dummy and driving over. Jonny was over again only to be cruelly denied as the referee thought it was held up. Soon Ben Shirron claimed a try as he went quickly from a penalty as ex Ellon player Andrew Ovenstone was caught offside. This gave a half time of 34 -15. Grammar started best from the restart with an early try to make it 39 – 15. Ellon needed one more try for a bonus point, and claimed this from Doug Sharp as he led a maul up the park and reached for the line. Ellon where now dominating the game and playing fantastic rugby. Winning the scrum and line out and using both wings. Kieran O’Brian scored off third phase and some huge carries. 39 – 27 and Ellon had a chance! Fantastic flowing rugby saw the ball move sides three times and Matt Pearce go over for his second try. Aberdeen (and ex Scotland Rugby League player) Teddy Clark got a yellow card as Ellon pilled on the pressure. This led to uncontested scrums, something Ellon did not want. With 5 minutes left Ben Shoirron sneaked another quick penalty to score to make it 39 – 37, talking the conversion to draw, the kick went wide! Aberdeen then broke clear as Ellon pushed for the win, to score to make the final score 44 – 37.
A fantastic game of rugby and although they lost, Ellon boys were all extremely proud, and rightly so.
Director of Rugby Gareth Kemp said: “a fantastic game, that we almost won! Lost by too many penalties in the first half and too many missed conversions. I have never been so proud of the lads to come from that far down and be the better team over 80 minutes, we just need to start better and convert these close loses, to wins”.