ELLON U18 RUGBY UPDATE

Unfortunately Mackie were unable to field a team, with many players away for the holidays. With such a full fixture list, and the league needing to be completed by Christmas, this meant the result was entered as an Ellon win, moving Ellon to second in the league behind Highland. The unfortunate Ellon players were looking forward to a run out in a game they were expected to win. Coach Gareth Kemp said “We would rather play games then be awarded the points. The players learn so much as each game is played, and we need to have the game time and experience when it comes to the harder matches after Christmas”.

The U18 season doesn’t finish at Christmas, but continues in the New Year. The top four in Caledonia 1 North merge with the top four in Caledonia 1 Midlands to create a Premier League. There is also the Caledonia or National Cup to compete for, so plenty of competitive rugby to play and Ellon are well on target to achieve their target of a top four place. Although a top two position should be achievable if they continue to play as they are.

This weekend is the half-way point in U18 Caledonia 1 North, so again there is no fixture. The next game is at home at the Meadows against Orkney on 27th October at an unusual time of 12:10, due to Orkney needing to play early to catch the ferry back the same day.

GARETH KEMP