U15 continue to push forward after a tough game in Perth

Ellon arrived at North Inch, the home of Perthshire, later than planned, which made the game a little rushed to start. Jack Duncan and Fraser Chalk came into the starting team late, with Dylan Kemp and Ewan Orus making way.
The first 10 minutes was a little cagey form both teams, but it was clear to see that Ellon were not firing as they had over the last few games. Adam Fowlie continued to do well since coming back, and was settling in at his new position of left wing. He was brought into the game twice with wide ball and on the second one he received the ball from Archie Falconer and ran beating two to score out wide. Conversion missed to make it 0-5. Jack Duncan received a bump and was subbed to be checked. Ellon managed to stop most of Perthshire’s attacks as they attempted to drive up the middle. Ellon forwards were too strong for that and stopped them early. Perth opted to kick after 20 minutes and Fraser Chalk collected and returned to score out wide. 0-10. Jack Duncan came back on after being cleared ok. 4 minutes later Adam Fowlie ran in a third try. 0-15.
Great pressure by Ellon forced Perthshire back and they again opted to kick, which was charged down. The ball was collected by Logan Vavangas, who could have touched the ball down to score, but was disorientated due to lack of flags, leafs on the pitch and lines that weren’t chalked. Instead he ran out the back of the pitch for no try. From the next phase an Ellon player was high tackled just before the line. The Perthshire lad was yellow carded. From the penalty Ellon went to the pack and second row Lewis Duncan scored and Ben Dickie converted. 0-22 to end the half. Head coach Gareth Kemp made three substitutions and sent the team back out for the second half.
The slight disruption of the subs, along with a lack of concentration by the Ellon team, led to Perthshire scoring three unanswered tries. At 45 minutes the score was 17-22 with Perthshire sensing a great come back. Jack Duncan beat two players and went in to score wide. 17-27. Soon after Lewis Duncan went over for his second try. 17-34 and again Ellon took the foot off the gas, allowing Perthshire to score 22-34. Ellon were under immense pressure and the coaches and supporters were a little nervous pitch side! Giving a harsh penalty away, Perthshire went quick and Ellon tackled but weren’t 10m back. Perthshire went again and Ben Dickie tackled as a last ditch, but wasn’t 10m back. This led to a yellow card. Perthshire went quick again, scoring and converting as time was up. Final score, a win to Ellon 29-34. 1 try in it!
Concluding, Ellon did well to win in a game which they lost their structure and played at a slower pace to normal. Plenty to focus on over the next two weeks. However the on mass change in players at half time didn’t help the flow of the game, something for the head coach to consider as we move to the final two games of the season.
Man of the match goes to Adam Fowlie, who got plenty of ball on the left wing. Support player goes to Reese Melling and BRA to Lewis Milne, who did very well all round in the scrum and line out.
Next up is Dundee Rugby on 26th November at 13:00 at the Meadows. A must win game to set up a grand finale at Gordonstoun on the 2nd December. Ellon U15 now has the league in their hands. Win two games and win the league. Much better than relying on other teams loosing. The points will also boost the Overall club table, of which Ellon are top at the moment!