P4
Fixture
List
PRIMARY
FOUR MATCH REPORTS
West of Scotland Tournament 25/4/04
ELLON’S Primary 4 and 5 rugby squads enjoyed medal success once again last weekend when they took the winner’s trophies in their age groups at the West of Scotland tournament in Milngavie.
The Primary 6 team was unlucky not to be in the medal pool as well, they won two of their games and drew a third to put them equal top in their group but lost a place in the final through scoring rules.
Ellon’s results are a good forerunner for their own home tournament, which takes place this weekend at Ellon Meadows.
Ellon 6 Lenzie 1
Starting line-up for the first Group A match was Brad Fraser, Scott Fraser, Douglas Hitchcock, James McCavanagh, Gavin Reed and Ben Shirron. The prompt arrival had allowed the squad to stretch their legs, get the cobwebs blown away and straight-off they were on the attack in an attempt to score that important first try, with McCavanagh being stopped just short. He was not to be denied for long though, going over in the left corner. Soon after he added a second, picking up from a good drive forward by B Fraser. The team showed they meant business with Shirron, Reed and S Fraser all scoring before half time. In the second half, Matthew Emmison and Sam McEvilly come on for S Fraser and Hitchcock. Lenzie went in for a consolation try before McEvilly set-up McCavanagh for his hat trick.
Ellon 6 Glasgow Accies 4
Coach Tennant’s first try pep talk spurred the P4s on with Shirron driving forward and presenting the ball well in the tackle for McCavanagh to pick up and score. From Accie’s tap restart, B Fraser turned the ball over and only a last gasp tackle prevented him from scoring, but Reed supporting well, got the try. A fine try saw B Fraser get on the score sheet just before half-time, with Hitchcock coming on for Shirron and Chris Charles on for Emmison. The second half saw Ellon and Accies trading tries, with McEvilly, Reed and B Fraser all getting one. Craig Dalgarno came on mid-way through the half to allow McCavanagh a well-earned rest.
Ellon 10 Marr 2
Again the pre-match pep talk did the trick, with Reed scoring twice and McCavanagh one try in quick time and both of them adding another each before half-time. The second half saw Stewart Cruickshank and Robbie Couper came on for S Fraser and McCavanagh. Good teamwork from the restart saw Ben Shirron being halted short of the line, but presenting the ball well for Reed to go over. Then B Fraser worked the ball out for McEvilly to score in the right-hand corner. Marr showed they had not given up all hope by scoring two tries, before another score from Reed and two from Shirron finished them off and put Ellon into the final.
FINAL
Ellon 3 West 2
The final saw the Ellon against the Group B winners and hosts, West of Scotland. Yet again the team showed their spirit, starting well with Shirron going over in the left-hand corner, for a clean sweep of Ellon scoring the first try in each of their games. Tries were then traded in an evenly matched game, with McCavanagh scoring Ellon’s second to go into half time all square. In the second half, with their home crowd giving strong vocal support, West poured pressure upon the Ellon team. Who, rising to the challenge soaked up all that was thrown at them, before B Fraser released Hitchcock to settle matters in Ellon’s favour.
Coach Colin Tennant said he was well pleased that his P4 squad had shone in the sun of Milngavie, making the long trip well worthwhile.
Primary 4 squad: Chris Charles, Robbie Couper, Stewart Cruickshank, Craig Dalgarno, Matthew Emmison, Brad Fraser, Scott Fraser, Douglas Hitchcock, James McCavanagh, Sam McEvilly, Gavin Reed, Ben Shirron.
Stirling Tourney – 18.04.04
ELLON'S young rugby Bravehearts were on the competition trail again at the weekend when teams from the Primary 4, 5, 6 and 7 age groups travelled south to take part in the Stirling RFC tournament.
This time out though, the teams which have been on a winning streak recently, had to come home empty handed although the Primary 4 and 5 teams both made it through to the semi-finals.
Local rugby fans will have the chance to see Ellon's young teams in action at the Meadows during May Day weekend in what promises to be a bumper display of youth rugby.
On Saturday, May 1, Ellon will host its first S1/S2 Sevens Tournament with eight teams from all over Scotland competing. The following day will see the annual Ellon Mini Tournament for P4-P7 players.
Ellon 9 Stirling - Monument 0
The rain had subsided by the time the Ellon boys went out onto the pitches to warm up for their first game but the ground was still very wet and muddy.
Ellon got off to a good start and were running and supporting well which quickly led to the opening score for Gavin Reed, this was swiftly followed by the first for James McCavanagh using his trademark swerving run. Matthew Emmison also showed steady improvement and was rewarded with a score. The end of the first half saw another score each for Reed and McCavanagh.
For the second half two changes were made and Ben Shirron along with Chris Charles got their first taste of the mud. Things were flowing quite well now and Bradley Fraser’s first score of the day came after having received a good wide pass from Rory Elliot. Stirling's fate was sealed by another try for Reed and another two from the ever-threatening McCavanagh.
Ellon 9 Stirling - City. 1
Scott Fraser started well in this second game and after some good running and supporting from Charles and Craig Dalgarno he got his first score. McCavanagh proved once again that a slow defender would be punished and scored twice in quick succession. Sam McEvilly was also playing in this game and gave a good account of himself and was rewarded with a score too. S. Fraser scored another before half time.
Young McEvilly was obviously learning and enjoying his game and scored again early in the second half after some good support work. The boys were now working well as a team and using each other to full effect, which allowed Shirron to score after sprinting into the corner.
Emisson’s enthusiasm paid off when he picked up a loose ball and forced his way through to score. The referee thought it prudent to call time but not before McCavanagh had scored another after having being given space he sprinted through to the line.
Ellon 5 Stewart Melville 2
The Ellon coaches decided to give two of the more experienced boys a rest at the start of this game and the younger squad performed well, Craig Dalgarno and Rory Elliot were tackling and defending well but against a slightly stronger team couldn’t prevent them from scoring twice. At half time Gavin Reed and James McCavanagh were brought on to strengthen the side and their influence and power showed almost immediately as again McCavanagh used his pace and power to score, this spurred the boys on and Gavin Reed powered over two scores in quick order. McCavanagh put Ellon into the semi final with a final pair of tries for his team after some good running and passing by them all.
Semi - Final.
Ellon 2 Stirling - Castle 4
This Stirling team was a far better squad than the previous two - their shape, tacking and general play was better organised and they were two up pretty swiftly. Once again McCavanagh showed why he is a valuable player by pulling one back before half time.
Tiredness and perhaps the muddy ground was beginning to take its toll as Ellon fought bravely to contain the Stirling pack but they managed to score another two after some consistent pressure. Plucky B. Fraser although having taken a knock refused to leave the pitch and scored a fine final try through a sturdy Stirling defence. Ellon were beaten by Stirling and the clock but it had been a long day and they had played well and reached the semi final.
PRIMARY 4 team: Chris Charles, Craig Dalgarno, Rory Elliot, Matthew Emmison, Bradley Fraser, Scott Fraser, James McCavanagh, Sam McEvilly, Gavin Reed, Ben Shirron.
Howe o Fife Tournament – 28.03.04
Ellon's Primary 4 rugby team was in the medals again at the weekend when they took runners-up place in their age group at the Howe of Fife Mini Tournament.
Teams from the ERFC Junior Section's primaries 5, 6 and 7 age groups also took part in the event.
Ellon 4 Stirling 4
Ellon arrived at Howe in brilliant sunshine and looking forward to some good games. The first game saw them meet worthy adversaries in Stirling. The game was very evenly matched from the start and half time saw Ellon 3 – 2 down with first half scores coming from Bradley Fraser and James McCavanagh. The Ellon pack was working better together and worked two good tries for McCavanagh, but once ahead they let their guard slip and Stirling equalised just before full time.
Ellon 4 Madras 4
The coaches blamed the long bus journey for the lack of energy in this game. In previous encounters Ellon has seen Madras off quite easily but not so this time. From the beginning, the Ellon squad were too untidy and ended up being 3 – 1 down by half time. A pep talk reminded them of who/what/where etc and saw them come out in determined mood. Some good running saw McCavanagh score another two with one for Gavin Reed. Again though Ellon let their guard slip and Madras equalled the score from an intercepted pass. Team members Chris Charles and Rory Elliot showed signs their confidence is growing all the time with good steady performances.
Ellon 6 Stewart Melville 1
This next game came as a bit of a surprise as normally these opponents are better drilled but they seemed to lack shape and were punished by the now alert and hungry Ellon pack. Scores came for Scott Fraser, Reed and McCavanagh (2). Stew Mel struck a late one back just before half time. The second half showed more what Ellon are capable of and showed some fine tackling from Matthew Emmison and running rugby from his team mates. McCavanagh and Bradley Fraser added to the score sheet aided by Ben Shirron.
Ellon 4 Dunfermline 4
This game should have seen Ellon win comfortably but the euphoria of the last game must have blinded them temporarily and Dunfermline punished some sloppy defending to lead 3 – 1 at half time. B. Fraser scored the Ellon try in the first half. The threat of an early bath was enough to spur them on and Gavin Reed scored two great tries with some fine running, 3 – 3. Dunfermline hit straight back with only a minute left. Ellon pushed up from the tap and after some good passing James McCavanagh scored the equaliser, but the clock beat them and end result was a draw.
Ellon 7 Howe 2
This last game against the hosts showed Ellon can play and string together some fine phases. Howe were not taking it lying down either and by half time Ellon led by 3 – 2, with tries for McCavanagh, Scott Fraser and Bradley Fraser.
The second half was a different story with Ellon making all the play and cruising ahead to an easy victory. B. Fraser burst through a defensive line for one, Gavin Reed scored two crackers in the corner and James McCavanagh scored another superb try to bring his total for the day to an amazing 12!
Primary 4 team: Christopher Charles, Craig Dalgarno, Rory Elliot, Matthew Emmison, Bradley Fraser, Scott Fraser, James McCavanagh, Sam McEvilly, Gavin Reed, Ben Shirron.
Forresters Tournay – 14.03.04
THERE was medal success for Ellon's Primary 5 rugby team at the weekend after they took the runners' up place in their age group at the Forresters' Tournament in Edinburgh.
Unfortunately the Primary 4 lost out on their chance to match their club mates when a refereeing counting error meant that they missed their place in the playoffs. By the time the mistake was corrected the play offs had taken place.
Although the Primary 6 team didn't make it to the finals, the tournament was valuable experience for several new members of the squad who were taking part in their first competitive games.
Ellon 3 Watsons 4
The first game of the day was against Watson’s (Watsonians) school team. As usual it took most of the first half for the Ellon boys to wake up after the long bus journey and they were soon 3 nil down. As half time approached, they began to wake up and settled themselves down which resulted in Gavin Reed scoring a try before the whistle.
A few changes were made at half time but Ellon was again punished for lack of concentration. Eventually the penny dropped and the team began to work together to create two good scores for Bradley Fraser and Gavin Reed.
Newcomer Sam McEvilly made his debut for Ellon and acquitted himself very well.
Ellon 3 Linlithgow 1
In this game the Ellon team had come to its senses and played to their strengths. Newcomers Rory Elliot and Christopher Charles put in good performances for their first official trip. The play phases were pretty tight with neither side gaining much advantage until Linlithgow scored first. Robbie Couper of Ellon tried hard and was rewarded with an equaliser just before half time.
The second half was again quite tight with Ellon only just having the upper hand. They made two breaks which resulted in scores for James McCavanagh and Douglas Hitchcock.
Ellon 9 Forresters 0
This game proved to be a trial for the hosts as they struggled to contain Ellon through lack of position and discipline.
Tries came quickly for Scott Fraser, Douglas Hitchcock (2), Ben Shirron and there was a marvellous maiden try for Matthew Emmison.
The second half saw Hitchcock and Fraser swapped for Robbie Couper and Elliot. Again Forresters could not contain the Ellon pack with scores for Couper, Shirron (2) and another fine maiden try, this time for Sam McEvilly.
Primary 4 squad: Christopher Charles, Robbie Couper, Rory Elliot, Matthew Emmison, Bradley Fraser, Douglas Hitchcock, James McCavanagh, Sam McEvilly, Gavin Reed, Ben Shirron.
West of Scotland - 18.01.04
Ellon's young rugby players took on the elements as well as the opposition when they travelled to Milngavie near Glasgow to compete against home club West of Scotland and visitors Helensburgh and Hillhead Jordanhill.
Despite the appalling weather, the players from the P4 to P7 squads gave a good account of themselves despite not having played competitive rugby for almost two months.
Ellon 6 West of Scotland 4
The first half saw West give Ellon an easy time of it, allowing them to run in five tries without reply. Half time saw a switch round in the Ellon team with Robbie Couper and Craig Dalgarno coming onto the field.
The West coach must have listened to Ellon's pre-match talk and used it on his team at half-time since West scored straight from the restart and the teams then matched each other try for
try until full-time.
Try scorers were Brad Fraser, James McCavanagh, Gavin
Reed, Ben Shirron.
Ellon 8 Helensburgh 5
Again Ellon started well, with two tries from Shirron within the first two minutes, with Scott Fraser adding another fine try shortly afterwards. Ellon cruised into half-time with tries from B Fraser, McCavanagh and Reed.
Again the opposition came out a different team for the second half and they ran in four tries without answer. Ellon managed to step up a gear with Douglas Hitchcock and Reed scoring with Helensburgh just managing to add one more before full-time.
Try scorers were Brad Fraser, Scott Fraser, Douglas Hitchcock,
James McCavanagh, Gavin Reed, Ben Shirron.
On the whole, a good start to 2004, with the P4s continuing their winning ways under difficult weather conditions. Coach Colin Tennant was relatively happy with their performance but confirmed tackling practice was on the cards for the squad's next Saturday
training session.
Primary 4 squad: Stuart Cruickshank, Robbie Couper, Craig
Dalgarno, Brad Fraser, Scott Fraser, Douglas Hitchcock, James McCavanagh, Gavin Reed, Ben Shirron
Heriots, Edinburgh – 4.11.03
Ellon RFC Junior Section's mini teams headed south once again last weekend to take part in a friendly tournament hosted by Heriots in Edinburgh.
They found competition against the home team and also against teams from Boroughmuir and also took part in some mixed "Barbarian" games which gave them the chance to play with, and meet, new players.
Ellon won the first game against the host team thanks to their better structure and discipline. Try scorers in this game were Craig Dalgarno (2), Gavin Reed (2) and Bradley Fraser.
This game presented a stiffer challenge against a better organised and more skilful team but the Ellon players were well drilled and were leading 5 to 2 at half time with tries from Blair Fraser, Gavin Reed (2) and Scott Fraser (2).
B’Muir made a few changes at half time, but Ellon only had six players so fielded the same team. A couple of bigger B’Muir boys took their chances and the final score was 6 to 4 with Ellon’s final try coming from a determined effort by Scott Fraser.
The three younger members of the squad Stewart Cruickshank, Matthew Emmison and Craig Dalgarno all showed their determination and skill levels are improving match by match and will undoubtedly prove invaluable to the P4 squad in the months to come.
The last game of the day saw all the teams mixed to form two “Barbarians” teams. The boys seemed to enjoy this fun approach where the score mattered less as long as they got to mix and play with others of the same age group.
Primary 4 team: Blair Fraser, Stewart Cruickshank, Craig Dalgarno, Matthew Emmison, Scott Fraser, Gavin Reed.
Glasgow Accies Tournament 05.10.03
Ellon’s youngest rugby team have kickstarted their season in great style when they returned home from their first tournament of the season bearing the winner’s trophy.
This is the second year in succession that a Primary 4 team from Ellon has taken top place in the Glasgow Accies Tournament. This year it was presented by Glasgow Rugby's Rory Kerr. Last year’s P4 winners – the new Primary 5 – also racked up a success when they took the runners up placing in their age group this year.
And while the Primary 4 to 7 squads were playing in Glasgow, for the first time in recent history, the weekend saw all roads lead south as Ellon’s other young teams also headed to the Central Belt – the S1 and 2 to Edinburgh and the Under 16s to Dunfermline.
The Primary 4’s first match was against Marr, which is always a closely fought game, but as current holders of the trophy, the P4 team was keen to get off to a good start and was soon camped inside the opposition half. Gavin Reed and Brad Fraser both broke through but the referee pulled the game back both times for infringements.
Marr was true to form and contested hard and half-time saw the score still nil - nil.
The second half started with a well worked try by James McCavanagh within one minute of the restart. But the rest of the half was just as keenly contested as the first half, with Ellon only able to add another try from McCavanagh before full time.
This game saw Scott Fraser and Robbie Couper coming on in place of Craig Dalgarno and Ben Shirron. Ellon started strongly with McCavanagh taking the ball down the left-hand side before being tackled short. B.Fraser took it on from the tap and pass before releasing to Reed for the try. Reed followed this with another two tries before half time. Second half saw tries from McCavanagh and Scott Fraser before a good piece of continuity ended with B. Fraser going over to score.
Ellon 7 Glasgow Accies A 0
A win against the tournament hosts A side would see Ellon go through to the Semi Finals as Group A winners. Dalgarno and Shirron came on for Couper and Douglas Hitchcock. Straight away Dalgarno had a strong run, which setup a try for B. Fraser. From restart Reed and Dalgarno combined well to allow B. Fraser in for his second. Accies then started to push into the Ellon half before an infringement gave Ellon the penalty. From the tap Shirron was able to release McCavanagh who, with a superb solo effort, ran three quarters of the field to score. The second half saw Shirron break through down the right touchline to score in at the corner. Shirron was then in again, but the referee pulled the play back for an infringement. Reed and B. Fraser then put the game beyond doubt with a try each, with Shirron adding another before the final whistle.
Ellon 4 North Berwick 3
The Semi-finals saw Ellon up against their old foes with Hitchcock coming on for Dalgarno. McCavanagh got the team off to a flyer with two tries, but then Berwick began to get into the game. That saw a period of game played at full pace with Ellon unable to break through again, but glad to go into half-time 2-1 up.
Second half saw Dalgarno coming on for Scott Fraser. North Berwick put Ellon under extreme pressure and they came away with two tries. The Ellon team showed their mettle and pulled together, with tries from McCavanagh and Reed nudging Ellon ahead prior to the final whistle.
Ellon 3 West of Scotland 0
Ellon knew they were going to have a hard time on their hands as West had beaten the capable N. Berwick 5-4. True to form they pressured straight off and appeared to have scored but the try was disallowed on a technicality
The pressure continued with Ellon just managing to hold them up on the try line. McCavanagh then took it off down the right hand side of the field to relieve the pressure, he combined with Shirron who broke left, but was tackled just short of the West try line. Reed supporting well cut back inside and nearly made it over in the middle. McCavanagh finally managed to break the West line and scored at the right corner.
West put the pressure straight back on and Ellon were soon defending their own line again, but a supreme individual effort from Reed saw him turn the ball over and run the full length of the field to score. Again West put Ellon on the back foot and only a superb break from McCavanagh released the pressure, for him to be tackled just short of the West line.
The start of the second half saw West over the line again, only for this one also to be disallowed. McCavanagh had another two good breaks down the right, to be tackled short. B. Fraser broke through the West defence, only to see his effort disallowed. There followed a period of end-to-end play before McCavanagh settled matters with another try.
Primary 4 Team - Robbie Couper, Craig Dalgarno, Brad Fraser, Scott Fraser, Douglas Hitchcock, James McCavanagh, Gavin Reed, Ben Shirron
Stewart’s Melville Friendly Tournament 13-9-2003
Ellon’s young rugby players kicked off their new season in good form at the weekend, when a bus load of youngsters from the Junior Section’s P4-P7 squads travelled to the Stewart’s Melville grounds in Edinburgh to compete against four other clubs.
It was a particular learning experience for the P4 and P5 teams who were playing for the first time to new SRU guidelines. The new format sees these younger squads now play six-a-side rather than eight-a-side teams in games which encourage players to make more use of available space and to pass out from tackles to keep the play flowing.
Ellon’s P4 players successfully defeated the home team, Stewart’s Melville, and went on to also see off the challenges of Watsonians, Heriots and Marr College.
This season’s team has brought together a new group of lads who were playing as a unit for the first time and they acquitted themselves very well, with the majority of them scoring at least once.
The scores of the four games were: Ellon 8 Stew Mel 5; Ellon 6 Watsonians 0; Ellon 1 Heriots 0; Ellon 6 Marr 3
Primary 4 team: Stuart Cruickshank, Craig Dalgarno, Bradley Fraser, Scott Fraser, Douglas Hitchcock, James McCavanagh, Gavin Reed, Ben Shirron.
Stirling 28-09-03
ELLON’S young rugby players had their second set of encounters of the season when the Primary 4 to 7 squads travelled to Stirling to take part in a friendly tourney against three other clubs. Depleted numbers meant that some Ellon teams were short on numbers but the host side, which has a very strong junior section, lent out some of its players which gave all the sides the chance of some good mixed team training.
It was a particularly successful day for the Primary 4 team which won all of its games.
Ellon 6 McLaren 1
From the start of the game, Ellon looked stronger and more disciplined than their opponents did. This was proof indeed that an early start to the training season is time well spent and the younger less experienced lads were able to learn from the ones who played last year. In the first half, Douglas Hitchcock continued to build his confidence and opened the scoring for Ellon and good teamwork led to another two before half time from James McCavanagh and Bradley Fraser.
At half time Craig Dalgarno was substituted for new lad Robbie Couper and as soon as the whistle blew to start the second half McLaren seized on a sleepy defensive line to score one back. This abrupt wake up call was all that was needed for Ellon to force on and Gavin Reed well supported by his teammates scored three tries in quick succession. New lad Matthew Emmison came on for Ben Shirron and played well in his first game. Light rain had begun to fall by the end of the game but the boys were pleased with such a good start.
Ellon 5 Stirling B 3
This was Stirling’s B team and both teams seemed pretty evenly matched to begin with, but Ellon’s pressure paid off eventually with Bradley (Chunk) Fraser making a break down the left side to score the opener. New lad Aden Peck also made his debut and did well in his first competition. Stirling put up a spirited performance and capitalised on a gap which allowed them to equalise. The second half saw Peck and Couper rested and Shirron and Dalgarno back on.
The boys were working well together and were running forward and supporting well and tries came in steadily from Shirron, Dalgarno, Fraser and James McCavanagh. Ellon made the mistake of thinking they could relax and Stirling were quick to seize the chance to score two more before they were beaten by the clock.
This game was against Stirling’s A team but the Ellon lads were unconcerned. Dalgarno was substituted for Shirron.
The game began well for Ellon and McCavanagh used his speed to outrun his man and open the scoring. A second came from Fraser after some brilliant support play. Stirling dug in and broke through a gap to pull one back. Reed got a third after a fantastic effort, swerving through several tackles to stretch over the line. The boys seemed to get second wind and the spectators were treated to a veritable Fraser fest as he scored three on the trot with the team combining and supporting as good as has been seen to date. For the second half Hitchcock and Matthew Emmison were swapped out and rested for Couper and Peck. As the second half began, Stirling were clearly on the back foot and leaving too many gaps and McCavanagh shot through to score his second in this game. Stirling scored another after the lad slipped a defender and did well to avoid a Dalgarno tackle. New lad Couper showed his potential by being in the right place at the right time and scored his maiden try for Ellon late on in the game.
Ellon 7 Linlithgow 5
The final match saw Ellon facing an inexperienced Linlithgow side that had lost all their games so far, and for this reason Ellon decided to rest Fraser, Reed and Peck. Ellon started strongly and Shirron supporting well gave him the pass which
set him free to score in the right hand corner. This was swiftly followed by another from Hitchcock, before Shirron shortly added another.
Linlithgow had a young lad with a good turn of speed and he quickly spotted any gaps and made the most of them by scoring twice. Dalgarno’s confidence is growing steadily and up against boys more his own size this was more evident and he played well supporting and receiving which allowed him to score twice before half time.
The second half saw Hitchcock changed out for Peck. McCavanagh showed his pace again and scored two more in fine fashion. Perhaps tiredness and the ceaseless light rain began to tell and Ellon thought they could relax only to be punished by Linlithgow’s speedy winger three times before the final whistle, but still a good performance from this years new P4’s.
Primary 4 Team: Robbie Couper, Craig Dalgarno, Matthew Emmison, Bradley Fraser, Douglas Hitchcock, James McCavanagh, Aiden Peck, Gavin Reed, Ben Shirron.