U14 between these two teams is usually a close game, and if not for a crazy penalty count by Gordonstoun it would have been a close game. Ellon started their usual slow start, the early morning trip across taking its toll. Split into three twenty minute periods, the first third was much different to the rest. Gordonstoun scored 4 tries in this period and converted two, giving a lead of 0 – 14 at the first break.
The next two periods were a different game! After a rousing team talk the Ellon players came out fast and hard to take on the Gordonstoun runners. Making their tackles and turning ball over Lewis Duncan crashed over on the left wing to score his first try of the season. A hard conversion was missed from the 5m channel. The game continued with Ellon dominating the physicality. It helped having a flanker playing centre as Dylan Kemp tackled all day. Gordonstoun’s response to this was repeated penalties. Although there were a few in the first 20 mins, the count for the last two thirds went sky high. At this level the referee cannot issue yellow and red cards, which leaves little opportunity to penalise the team. Gordonstoun were offside repeatedly and off their feet and in the side and most rucks, stopping any flow by Ellon. Although the referee was good and picked them up, he had little options. Gordonstoun broke clear and scored a break way try at the end of the second third, converted that left this third 3 – 4 to Gordonstoun.
Final third and Ellon felt buoyant and again played well. Defence held strong as Dylan Kemp made three try saving tackles in a row and the forwards won the ball back to be cleared. Again, Gordonstoun penalties ruined all chance of a try foe Ellon, but Ross Stewart managed to blast over for a typical hooker try. Ellon pressure built up again as the match was near closing. Ellon broke with Ben Dickie who was high tackled. From a quick tap, Ben went again, but was high tackled a second time. From this penalty, Ross Stewart went with the ball, was high tackled and in the process dropped the ball, only for Gordonstoun to pick up and score a 90m try and conversion to win this final third 3 – 4. If this try hadn’t been given Ellon would have won the final 40 minutes 6 – 4 a much more deserved score line. Ellon did however lose the game in the first 20 minutes by letting 14 points in. Final score 6 – 22. The score doesn’t reflect a game more dominated by Ellon, after a slow start!
Best Forward of the Match: Ross Stewart
Best Back of the Match: Dylan Kemp
Best Rugby Attitude: Jamie Brooks