Ellon u13 v Highland (HOME)

This was a fast and furious game which didn't start as planned, with Noah Scarisbrick having to pull out of the starting line up having picking up a niggle on his ankle.

This brought Harrison McKinnon on from the bench to take up the full back position. Although new to this Harrison took to it well and grew into the position as the game went on.

This left us with one sub against Highlands large squad carrying 5 subs. The game was set-up with a late KO of 11.15am to give Highland better warm up time due to the long travel time. This also got the game running in two halves, with Hamish Henderson leading the side a Captain.

Ellon started strongly with direct running rugby making the most of home advantage with Eli Morton storming over in the first few minutes. This pattern continued with Ellon attacking the inside space and making good ground at every opportunity bringing more scores.
However, it was at the detriment to using the whole backline, which was improved in the second half.

Throughout the 1st 1/2 strong tackling and rucking from Millar McCullagh ensure Highland didn't get a chance to get into any rhythm. Although when they did show in attack good passing and expansive rugby caused Ellon problems.

The first half finished 36-12 to Ellon, running in 6 tries to Highlands 2. 50% strike rate in conversations for both teams affecting Ellon more than Highland in the 1/2 time score line.

The 1/2 team talk was all about keep going forward, keep the great phase play which produced several ruck turnovers then add width to the game to get the wings involved.

The second 1/2 started slowly for Ellon with Highland making the most of their subs benching starting well. The efforts from Ellon in the 1st half starting to show as well as the difficulty in getting into the game with such a large lead as they did.

Millar McCullagh continued to make the most of the space when the Highland defence was not filling the holes. This allowed the backline to score more tries with Hamish Henderson who was playing at centre getting over the try line twice more. Charlie Frost who was excellent all day gave way to Noah Noah Scarisbrick who shrugged off his niggle to come on and score a try himself.

This changed the backline set-up with Millar moving to 10 and Noah taking the 2nd centre position.
Highland did however play strong rugby with the impact of the bench continuing to make a difference, where they won the second half 17-38.

Overall another great day at the office with Ellon winning 53-45.

Strong performances all over the pitch today. In this case with his tireless tackling, tracking back, mazey runs and getting over the try line himself the POTM goes to Millar McCullagh.