It was a welcome to return to the Meadows where the u14s' Kicked off a full fixture list, with u15s' (Mackie) and 16s' (RGC) following their 11am KO.

The Ellon squad numbers were bolstered by another strong u13 contingent with some old faces returning to the u14s' produced a squad of 19 players for Ellon. Conversely Deeside travelled with a lighter squad than usual due to late player drop outs. This resulted in Ellon loaning two players for each half to allow a full 15 a side game to take place.

A big thank you to the player who did this, Lucas, Anibal, Harrison, Archie, Hamish Henderson. When the coaching team was considering these players it was for player development - a chance for them to compete against their team mates to see who can boss the game, Prop v Prop, Back Row v Back Row, Hooker v Hooker. This can only be good for the squad as it enhances the value of each player to the squad.

Players were also shuffled in position during the game to get game time for all concerned and provide new challenges. Again a chance for player to develop in a competitive game environment.

This could of developed a lot of flux in the team. However, while the structure may not have been a considered as last weeks Gordonians fixture the attack still flushed with great team work and handling across the whole squad.

Other positives to note were:
KO structures on both receiving and on the Kick Chase.
First Phase plays also worked very well again being a great spring board to take scores from.
Forward power for try line Defence, counter ruck and breaking the gain line.
Line speed from the backs in defence meeting Deeside 'half way' put them on the back foot time and again.

When a game is going very well for you it can be difficult to keep focus and communicate with the urgency needed to re-set defensively and in attack. This was shown in the game by periods of narrow defence, white line fever and ruck control at times.

But when all is said and done the squad put on a great display of rugby with the new team members gelling better every week. Continuing on the good practices in training will again bring performance benefits in the weeks to come.

As always a final thanks to the side line and parent support, next up Garioch Away February 9th 11am KO, see you there.