Unexpected late withdrawals (we hope you are all on the mend and back on the pitch soon) left the squad with only two subs.
This was against a Highland squad carrying seven subs facing them on their home turf - a full size 4G pitch after a 2.5hour bus journey.

This did not deter the team and after a focused warm up they got off to a flying start.
They seized the initiative from the offset putting Highland on the back foot with two extraordinary tries.
Tackles lead to turnover's, slight of hand and fast feet led to gain line breaks with last ditch Highland tackles foiled with exquisite off load play, it really was goose bump time. Rugby that could grace any professional stage.

The team continued to show their superiority going up 17-0 in the first 1/3rd (tries from Millar, Hamish and Cameron (Conversion by Hamish).
Going into the 2nd 1/3 the squad was rotated; Eddy and Kaolin coming on for Harry and Lucas. Highland also made changes to try to get the game back under control. Their fresh legs made a difference as it was clear our fast start was starting to take it's toll. Despite having 14 unanswered points against them the team showed real resilience in this adversity with frustration only spilling over on the odd occasion. Going through this period will stand the team in good stead for future tough matches. This left the score at the end of the period Ellon 17, Highland 14.

At the break the team had a good group chat with Hamish as captain leading the discussion. Contributions from the coaches validated they were on the right track and to continue to play the Ellon way. From this the team went out with great purpose to close the game out against a Highland team that deservedly had their tails up after their performance in the 2nd period. Not long into the 3rd and final period this determined state of mind lead to Noah getting over for a well worked team try showing good handling and physicality in contact - taking the lead to 22-14. Enforced changes came not long after this as Fletcher had to come off due to a slight knock. This re-shuffled the team again with Hamish moving to first centre, Harry back in the front row Euan R onto the wing and Harrison to full back.

Then the game became nip and tuck with the team having to face further Highland team rotation. The team stood up to the test well with scramble defence and being physical contact. Highland were not deterred by this and with some direct running themselves got over the line for another try which was converted. At this point Highland led 23-22. The team continued to push forward carrying the ball hard into contact which was great to see. Highland stood up to this well resulting in the team losing control of the ball, this let Highland play back against a broken defensive line. Against the run of play in this area the team regained their composure with Euan R making the most of being back in his regular berth on the wing to get over for another Ellon try, score now 27-23 to Ellon.

With the fast surface and size of the pitch starting to tell on the hard worked team going into the final 5minutes it was clear the game could still go either way. In deed this lead Highland to getting another try turning the contest into a one point game. Highland now leading 28-27. They had to keep playing and forced themselves down the pitch. After a well contested ruck with an eye for space Millar did a 'pick and go' from the back and used his elusive running style to finish a hard worked try. The conversion came from Hamish putting Ellon into the lead 34-28.

This lead to a tense last few minutes where the team knew a strong defensive set attacking the ball would see them claim and hard fought league win. The team coped well with the final Highland on slaught turning the ball over and running in a final try from Noah to finish the game 39-28.

As mentioned earlier the team started the game without the expect squad this meant from the outset boys were playing out of position. Millar notably Millar in the unfamiliar #10 shirt and Eaun F playing in the backs for the first time in the pivotal position of scrum half. Harrison also took up an unexpected position in outside centre and Euan R took the berth at full back.

It was a game that could have fifteen POTM's but for his first time playing at #9 in such a tough game where he got stuck in and kept the back line moving the POTM goes to Euan Fraser.

Well done all, now breath and see you all next week - Friendly away to Aberdeen Wanderers.