Ellon u13 v Garioch (HOME)

This was the first game of the Culblean Challenge. It is a group game format followed by a knock phase, so it was important to start the Challenge game well.

The weather was cold, sleet during warm up it wasn't going to be easy.

Garioch were a much improved opposition than in our pre-Christmas match. So much so they literally caught us cold scoring 1st.
We turned it around scoring quickly after and ending the first period 17-7 up.

But while some of our 1st period play was good Garioch were still causing problems with their strong runners. This impacted our own game which led to players taking an individual approach to the game rather than a team effort.

The second period was an improved performance taking a more commanding lead to 34-19. That said it still felt like the game could go either way with the weather taking its toll to both sides. So it would be a case of which team could manage the game best would win.

The team showed the character and spirit to close it out in the 3rd period, with the game ending 50-19 for an Ellon home win.

It should be remembered in this game we had a large squad which was a great to see but meant we had a lot of chopping and changing which put closing out this game more impressive.

It wasn't our usual free flowing game but some great tries came in and a few positives to be taken support play and counter rucking.
Strong performances in key parts of the pitch lead sealing the win but the POTM was Hamish Henderson.

Well done to all the players and thank you again for the support from the side lines.