Tough game for a reduced U14 squad, in the heat at Huntly

A hard day at the office for the Ellon U14s today. The team were already missing some key players due to injuries so the lads on the pitch knew they were in for a tough match when Muntly announced they had a squad of 28 boys to play! The game was to be played to U13 rules due to Muntly having a mixed U13/U14 squad and consist of 4 x 15 minutes periods. However, 1st period lasted 20 minutes and due to this, the game was restricted to 3 periods.

For the first period, Muntly put on a full U14 team with some huge lads and ball carriers and as a result they scored 5 unanswered tries and conversions with some aggressive rucking and strong running which Ellon were struggling to compete with. Euan Bonner was badly injured with a suspected dislocated shoulder after 5 minutes, which could have had an effect on moral but the Ellon players responded well and started to match the Muntly forwards in the rucks & tackles towards the end of the period. First period ended Muntly 20 – 0 Ellon.

Into the second period and Muntly replaced practically their whole team with 12 fresh players. However, Ellon came out of the blocks fast and scored after only 30 seconds of the kick off with some great chasing from the kick-off, putting pressure on the receiver then securing the ball in the breakdown. Findlay Ritchie getting the try on the left wing & Ewan Orus successfully kicking the conversion. Ellon dominated the rest of the period with some strong forward play and as a result Callum Caven scored the next try after seven minutes with Ben Dickie converting then Ben adding a try of his own with Ewan Orus kicking the conversion between the posts. Muntly responded by putting their biggest/strongest players back onto the pitch and were rewarded with another try and conversion. Added Ellon intensity got the ball onto the Muntly 5m line and were awarded a penalty try with Thomas Gray touching the ball down under the posts after Muntly were off their feet repeatedly at the ruck and all over the ball preventing quick release of the ball. Unfortunately, Ellon suffered another player lost to injury with Findlay Ritchie, almost clear on the wing, stopped with a dangerous trip tackle and landed badly hurting his back. Second period ended Muntly 4 - 16 Ellon.

Onto the final period & again more fresh legs for Muntly but the Ellon lads, without the option of subs, dug deep into their reserves and showed how good their fitness levels are with real determination and some fantastic play that saw them have the majority of possession but were unable to convert that into scores. Muntly’s defending was becoming more desperate at times with players continually off their feet in the rucks leaving the ref no choice to penalise them on numerous occasions. A couple of interceptions and run-ins for Muntly allowed them to add two more trys and conversions before the final whistle. Third period finished Muntly 8 – 0 Ellon.

Final score Muntly 32 - 16 Ellon.

A very tough hard-hitting physical match today in hot sunny conditions. Boys will be feeling sore and disappointed about the result but should be proud of the great effort they put in. Lots of positives to take from the game and to build on. Good news is that Euan Bonner’s injury is not as bad as previously feared and we wish him a speedy recovery.