Strong performance at a wet Muntly

Ellon were a good mix of U15 and U16 players with a number of U16 players rested. It led to a decent game, possibly the most entertaining of the season so far. The conditions were very boggy and there was constant rain, which should have led to a more forward orientated game. Ellon however wanted to make use of the backs more and test their passing in poor conditions. Ellon played up hill into the wet and wind to start, but had possession and territory for the first 15 minutes. They however didn’t score until the 17th minute when Ross Brown drove over with great force, Josh Andrew then converted. Straight from the kick off, Ellon we’re not focused and Muntly took the ball and scored immediately. 7-7. 5 minutes later ellon received a penalty and kicked for touch to take a line out 5m from the line. From the line out Dylan Kemp took the ball well and set up a maul. The pack drove over, with a few backs entering the ruck and stand off Josh Andrew taking the ball and scoring the try, then the conversion. 7-14. After a few plays from both teams and strong defence by Ellon, Felix Middleton took the ball and attacked the line. Rather than take the defence on, he created an excellent 2v1 and put Calum Price over to score, Josh Andrew converted. Half time was 7-21 to Ellon.
There was an early yellow card for Ellon in the second half, which led to Muntly scoring early in the second half to keep in the game, Ellon made 5 substitutes to make sure all got at least a half a game. Making the most of a player down, Ellon let another try in. However Ellon soon lifted themselves and scored three more tries. Josh Watson scores first with great strength to drive over, Daniel Gillies then scored what could have been try of the match. After 5 phases and offloading by Ellon, Josh Andrew received a miss pass and side kicked the ball through for Daniel Gillies to dive on the ball to score. Only reason it wasn’t try of the day, was because Ellon then scored the try of the day via Daniel Ruddy! Getting the ball from Ross Brown after a 20m run, Daniel Ruddy, ran 50m, evading 5 tackles and stepping the full back to score under the posts! Even better when you realise Daniel is a front row player. Muntly scored a late try for a final score of 24-38 to Ellon.
Ellon picked Ross Brown as man of the match, while Muntly picked Ryan Dickie.
Next week is the small matter of Mackie away!