As the first weekend of the Caledonia 1 league gets under way Ellon RFC find themselves in Stonehaven to face Mackie FPs. After a strong win against Mackie the week before Ellon arrived with confidence, however well aware that this team fought back and last week and gave Ellon a bit of a scare towards the end of the match.

Ellons starting line-up had a couple new faces from the previous week with Steven Bucknale and Eddie Addy Both unable to play giving
Conor Slaven back from injury and Hamish Dalgarno a chance to step up.

The conditions were mild with a strong crosswind as the game kicked off, and from the beginning it seemed to be a reply of last week’s game.
After some nice quick play Ellon got across the line with just 7mins gone to see Craig (kes) Davidson get his first try of the season. Conversion missed.
It was not soon after that Ellon found themselves in the home teams 22 securing the lineout and driving maul to be take to deck just 5m from the line. With a magic shown a go from Andrew Ovenstone he was over the line for Ellons Second try. (17min)
It seemed very to be going Ellons way this half with 90% of play being in Mackies half, with very little in way of attack. Moving into the 27min after a well work set play Alix Macdonald fed Liam Slaven to give him a clear run for the line increasing the lead. conversion made. (19-0)

With the game securely in Ellons hands only something game changing would make it slip, which is exactly what happened. Jack Calvert, Craig Davison both received Yellow and Ewan Muntch received a Red leaving Ellon continually with either one or two men down. During this time Mackie managed to get 2 tries and one conversion and a penalty. After Ellon also getting a penalty in the second half it left the score 22-17. As the clock ticked over 80 minutes the and Ellon with a man off and a man injured they pushed for the line, Ellon unable to hold them off they managed a try, and with a successful conversion closed off the game as the final whistle went.

Ellon were gutted with the final result but realise they shot themselves in the foot with their discipline causing them a big disadvantage, with saying that Mackie put in a brave and determined performance and worked hard for the win.

Looking forward to round three in November!

next week Sat 8th September Orkney Home.