U14 Match Report - Sunday 05/11/17 - Mackie 25 v Ellon 12

Today's game of rugby was played with a lot of determination and grit by the Ellon lads today as a few were carrying injuries and only 15 were available to play.

Mackie matches are always tough and this proved no exception. Mackie opened the scoring in 3 minutes however Ellon fought straight back attacking into the Mackie half driving forward using the pack. Ellon won a penalty on the five metre line and a tap restart by Ross Stewart who passed to Jamie Brooks charging at pace smashed through the Mackie defense and over the line for the first of his hat-trick! Mackie however bounce right back moving the ball to their fast backs who ran in another try on the wing after 11 minutes. The remainder of the period was fairly evenly contested in both rucks and scrums with neither team managing to break through the middle ground as the forwards won the ball in the rucks and great tackling to disrupt Mackie by Sam Douglas and Ryan Hanton. Ellon then managed to grab the advantage and power towards the Mackie line again, winning another pentaly as Mackie continually strayed offside. Ross and Jamie paired up again and Jamie smashed over at short range for his second try just as the period ended. Mackie 6 v Ellon 6, two tries each.

The second period started fairly steadily however the Ellon lads lost their shape a little in the forwards and the backs were getting drawn in, this unfortunately allowed Mackie to run in the first of three tries this period using their fast backs. When Ellon did get the ball they drove through the middle of the park with Daniel Ruddy making a great run however he was taken down by a high tackle 5 metres from the try line however the ref never saw this and a penalty was given against Ellon for a hand in the ruck. Mackie scored a futher two tries in this period in the 14th and 18th minutes. Period ended Mackie 18 v Ellon 6. This period Mackie scored 3 tries 3 conversions to Ellon 0 tries.

The final period played out with Mackie taking another early two tires in the 6th and 8th minute, however the Ellon lads kept their heads and fighting spirit and dug deep. They started to reorganise themselves and put Mackie under pressure. Again the forwards battled through the middle of the field and this time Felix Middleton scored in the 12th minute for another 3 points to make the score 25 v 9. As the game drew to a close Ellon kept the pressure on against Mackie and Jamie Brooks scored his third try as the game ended. Final score this period Mackie 2 tries 1 conversion to Ellon 2 tries no conversions.

Therefore a fairly close game as Ellon matched Mackie with 2 tries each in the first and third periods. Just unfortunately some error were made in the middle period where Mackie ran in 3 tries. Therefore plenty to be proud of and a few things to work on but don't forget the importance of all working as a team. The team effort brings the wins and there was a good fighting spirit all through today's game, so keep it up lads. Finally a worthy mention to Sam Douglas, Ryan Hanton and Daniel Gillies for their tackling today and Calum Price who came so very close to scoring on the wing. Well done lads, team work will win through in the end.