Ellon draw with Deeside

Deeside took the early lead with a converted try and a penalty to lead 10 – 0 before Ellis Swainston received a quick tap from a penalty and crashed over for a converted (James Evans) try. This was followed up by great play and grass coverage by Matthew Emmison to offload to Mikey Bonner on the wing to score in the corner. This gave Ellon a 10 – 12 lead at half time. Again Ellon were not clinical enough with the try line in sight, and missed a couple of chances before Deeside once again took the lead with an unconverted try. This lead didn’t last long with Emmison stealing the ball back and offloading in the tackle to Brad Fraser to run a try in from the Deeside 10m line to level the scores at 17 – 17. In the last 20 minutes Swainston got his brace with another short distance try, using his power to drive over the line. With Ellon nearing their first win of the season, Deeside stole an interception and score a try to level at 24 all. Ellon then spent the final 10 minutes camped in the Deeside half and 22, but just couldn’t get over the line to score and win, which they deserved. However it is Ellon’s first points in this league. Head Coach Ross Finlay said "Silly mistakes & not being clinical in the Deeside 22 cost us the game but we are always improving so look forward to the challenge of Highland next week". While assistant coach Neil Emmison said “this game was always going to define where the boys are right now and looking back at how we were at the start of the season this team has developed in leaps and bounds in the last 4 weeks. Another tough game against Highland next week will leave the October break as a time for reflection from a personal and team perspective and will give the coaches an opportunity to correct certain areas that need improved. The run up to Christmas will be tough but it is time these boys to become men!"