The remainder of the club trained this weekend without any games, while the U18 travelled to Elgin. This was the first Moray U18 7s and the event took place in perfect conditions. Overnight dew left the ground firm with a little bounce, perfect for a small stud and running rugby. The event saw Ellon play the hosts Moray first. In a game that was not as close as the score show, Ellon came out 17 – 7 winners. Neil Rattery took the first try after a quick break from a penalty, beating two men to score near the posts, converted by James Evans. This was followed up by two tries to Aaron Bonner from great team play and recycling. Moray scored a breakaway try and almost had two if it wasn’t for fantastic chasing back by the Ellon team. The second game saw us take on the supposedly weaker Lochaber team from Fort William. However we under estimated them and split the players over the two half’s to give people a rest for the big game coming up against Highland. This tactic almost cost Ellon the game and the cup! Lochaber came out all guns blazing and really took it to Ellon twice taking the lead scoring three tries. Ellon clawed back into the game, and in the second half really moved the ball around making use of the training they had been doing mid-week. Ellon made great use of Jack Munro’s height at the line out and his pace in mid field, which created two tries for the younger U18 player. Sam Tateson used a great sidestep and pace to reach the line and two conversions to James Evans gave Ellon a 17 – 19 win. The score was agreed by the referee, but controversially changed to 19-19 5 minutes later as a touch judge claimed there had been an extra conversion to Lochaber. The draw really wound Ellon up and they went into the last game against Highland (who had beaten Ellon twice this year, once in the National League and once in the Caley Cup Final) with a great frame of mind. Ellon played fantastic 7s rugby and dominated Highland for most of the second half. Sam Tateson again scored two tries and James Evans converted one, while Highland scored a well worked try to bring the scores closer together. Ellon slowed the game down a little then and controlled the ball to finish the game winners.
The whole event was a very successful morning for Moray, hosting a great event that was played in the spirit of rugby. It was boosted for the Ellon players by the cup win. The team now must practice for a couple of weeks as they have the biggest 7s event in Glasgow on the 3rd May in the National 7s, where they play on the back pitches against the best teams in Scotland, including Ayr, George Watsons College, Dollar, Stirling and 16 other teams from around Scotland.
Ellon First XV are frustrated at the moment as they wait for a date for the play-off game against Garioch. Scheduled for Saturday 12th, this has been up in turmoil as Garioch have a 7s friendly that day. Possible dates have been bandied about, including as late as May! This is unacceptable to Ellon who finished their games three weeks ago and the players have other commitments after the 26th April. Watch this space!