Culblean Challenge Final Ellon u13 v Moray

The Final lived up to its billing as a season defining game. Moray and Ellon had played two head to head matches wining one each, it couldn't be more fitting that we met in the final.

It was a spine tingly game that supporters, players and coaches from both sides really enjoyed. Thanks has to be given to Jordan Gray our referee for the game who contributed to the quality of the game with his approach - allowed the game to flow as much as possible whilst still enforcing tackle height rules and being consistent in and around the the breakdown.

This game was a full team performance so I think it is only right I try to summarise the impact all the players made in the game. In alphabetical order we have:-

Angus - Kept team momentum moving from the 1st half with quick thinking and quick feet scoring the decisive try to seal victory.
Cameron - Strong running with best ball protection of the season.
Charlie - Front foot defence kept Moray at bay with good use of the ball to release use the width of the pitch.
Eddy - Strong running with good visibility for off loading to his team mates.
Eli - Sold scrummaging with nice tip on passing in open play.
Euan Fraser - Good assertive performance around the whole pitch and kept the scrum solid.
Euan Redpath - Gave Moray the fear with excellent physical running and well taken tries, when moved to 1st centre he continued to impact the game with strong tackling.
Fletcher: Got up in defence making good tackles with confidence - the physical side of his game coming through, also used the ball well when he had the chance.
Hamish - Captains performance leading from the front giving clear instruction whilst making great rugby decisions in open play.
Harrison - Dynamic and athletic all around the pitch with a great speed getting to the breakdowns making good impact in the rucks.
Harry - Strong running sucking up opposition players as he went.
Hugh - Brought tight assertive defence to the wing, used what space he had in attack well.
Lucas - Bravery in Jackling, tackling and assertive defence an all round great #8 performance.
Quentin - Played with a cool head but still kept his spark with darting runs and accurate passing.
Max - An all round great performance in the 10 shirt, played what was in front of him and was also good in front of the sticks.
Millar - Playing at full back, it was hard to fault his positioning - it stifled Moray attacks and his tackling snuffed out many of their advances.
Noah - POTM performance, Noah put the team on the front foot with dominant tackles, physical running and excellent support play.
Rory - Brought his physicality and tackle technique to the break down making telling interventions.
Stewart - Showed good use of space and brought new tackle confidence into his game.
Xavier - Has only played with the team for a few weeks. He has shown great potential, so having a cameo in the 2nd half was the least he deserved. On the pitch he had great awareness of the game around him and always went forward.

I am sure I missed some key points above but what I do know is it has been great to see ever player develop in their own ways over the season. The final itself was all about putting in a great performance, the win was the bonus they totally deserved.

Thanks as always to the side-line supporters from family and friends to other club members making it down to the game. This made it all the more special for the boys.

Well done to all.