Match Report - Sunday 21/08/16 - West of Scotland (39) v Ellon (9)

Match Report - Sunday 21/08/16 - West of Scotland (39) v Ellon (9)

The boys played a good hard game against West of Scotland on Sunday with the final score West Scotland 39 v Ellon 9. (3 points for a try / 1 point for conversion). It was their first match together after a long summer break and a few boys were trying new positions and on a much bigger playing field than what they have been used too. Lots was learned and lots of things to work on but on the whole a positive game as the boys kept battling to the end which showed in the final 15 minute period of play where they were matching and holding West of Scotland to two tries each until the last 2 minutes of the game where West scored the final try.

The lads played 3 x 15 minute periods with 11 players in each team. The minimum you can field is 10 players and 13 is the preferred playing numbers for U13 rugby.
The first period started with West of Scotland scoring first in 3 minutes, however Ellon countered with a try in the 5th minute. West then dominated the rucks and had most of the possession and scored a further 3 tries. First period ended West 4 tries - Ellon 1 try.
Period two was tough and the Ellon boys did not score and spent most of this period defending. West Scotland scored their 4th try from a forward pass the ref did not see, but not to worry the Ellon lads learned that they need to counter ruck and make their tackles. Second period ended West 4 tries - Ellon 0 tries.
The final period Ellon fought back well and did not give up. West of Scotland scored in the opening minute, but Ellon drew level inside 2 minutes. West scored again at 8 minutes and Ellon drew level once again in the 11th minute. The final period was fairly evenly matched until a handling error gave the ball to the opposition and they ran in their 3rd try of the period. In all West of Scotland scored 11 tries with 6 conversions and Ellon scored 3 tries with 0 conversions.

All the boys should be proud of their efforts and not be too disappointed in the first game results as Alistair and I could see the effort and determination the boys made.

Match Awards:
Best Forward: Jamie Christie - for carring the ball over the gain line and powering through opposition
Best Back: Lewis Hay - for good decision making and ball distribution
Best Rugby Attitude: Calum Price - for some great tackles
And a special mention to Ryan Dickie for scoring all three Ellon tries.

Graham Ritchie
U13 Head Coach
Ellon Rugby SCIO