Highland come from behind to beat Ellon U16 in the Cup Semi Final

Meanwhile Ellon U16 played Highland U16 in the Caledonia Cup Semi Final.
A strong Highland team made the trip to Ellon Meadows on Sunday to contest the Caledonia Cup semi. As favourites they expected to roll over the Ellon team but Ellon were up for the challenge. They started the game in determined fashion dealing with the early physicality of the big Highland lads. Ellon began to win quick ball at the breakdown and the backs started to test the Highland defence. A penalty after 10 mins allowed Nathan Shirron to put Ellon 3-0 ahead. Ellon maintained the pressure and a great back line move involving all the backs saw Ewan Cowie on the wing touch down in the corner. Conversion missed so score 8-0 Ellon. Highland tried to fight back but a great pickup by stand-off Ross Greig and quick distribution along the back line yet again, allowed winger Ryan Notton to fly past the remaining Highland defence and finish off another good team try. Shirron made the tricky conversion so score 15 – 0 Ellon. Highland were now rattled and their aggression escalated as did their pressure and unfortunately Ellon conceded a try just before half time. Midway score 15 – 5.
Highland came at the second half in a very determined fashion and brought on all their big guys off the bench to reinforce their already powerful pack. Playing purely now through their forwards they began to put Ellon on the back foot and their relentless forward pressure started the scoreboard turning in their favour. Some heavy hits at the breakdown saw 2 Ellon players receiving injuries that required treatment off the pitch. This meant a couple of inexperienced players stepped on to the field for Ellon and they gave it their all. However during this period 2 Highland forward tries were scored plus a penalty which swung the game 15 – 20 to Highland. The Ellon forwards and defence were working hard and with just under 10 minutes to go it was still a 5 point game, but Ellon’s hard working pack began to tire and the Highland forwards ran in 3 late tries which flattered the score-line, final result 15 – 35 to Highland. This was a disappointing result but the Ellon lads can console themselves by the fact that the unbeaten Highland team had to work hard for their victory.
Ellon U16’s now proceed to the Caledonia Bowl Final on 26th April at St Andrews where they play Glenrothas.