MUSSELLBURGH MINI RUGBY TOURNAMENT

Ellon had long been looking forward to last fixture of the season as the North-east team has had a good relationship with this southern club for some time and always enjoyed both the hospitality and the level of competition this tournament has provided. This occasion was to prove no different with Ellon placed in the hardest draw against some very stiff opposition which was taken as a compliment. Once again Ellon was joined by its travelling band of supporters who as ever were noticed by all for their vocal support of the teams. As ever I would like to extend the thanks of both players and coaches for their continued help in away games.

Ellon 2 Portobello 0

Ellon exploded onto the field and took charge of this game right from the start. Andrew Fraser, Sylvester Cadger and Sam Mountain constantly carried the ball deep into the opposition’s half before feeding it out and Craig Catto, Rory Yuill and Grant Fox all made move after move towards the try line. But spirited defence from Portobello kept Ellon from scoring despite intense pressure from Joe Senior and David Liddell on the wings. But the pressure paid off eventually and with the whole team in full support Fox put one over the line to put Ellon one up at half time. The second half saw more of the same and superb tackling from every member of the Ellon team meant that Portobello was never allowed to progress. The domination of the Ellon team was rewarded when Yuill broke through to score Ellon’s second try.

Ellon 0 North Berwick 1

This game was classified by supporters from several of the clubs attending as The game of the tournment and is will surely be remembered as one of the best games Ellon never won.

Spectators from both clubs were treated to an outstanding game of rugby from their teams. Without exception, every single member of the Ellon team turned in superb performances which they can be individually proud of . Everything they learned this season came together for this final performance with tackling in particular being top class. Ellon made one slip at the beginning of the second half which gave North Berwick the chance to break through and score. Ellon retaliated and piled on the pressure and the southern team were never given another chance.

It seemed Ellon’s sheer guts, determination and skill had paid off in the closing moments of the game when intense pressure resulted in a try for Ellon. The referee however took a different view and disallowed it, judging that the ball had been over the dead ball line, contrary to what nearby spectators had seen North Berwick came away as winners in what was a magnificent contest.

Team: Sylvester Cadger, Craig Catto, Grant Fox, Andrew Fraser, Christopher Howie, David Liddell, Sam Mountain (Capt), Joe Senior, Darren Stephen, Rory Yuill.

WHITECRAIGS, GLASGOW, FRIENDLY – September 9, 2001

Ellon’s youngest rugby team returned triumphant from their first fixture of the new season in Glasgow on Sunday.

The Primary Four squad notched up three consecutive wins against their Central Belt opponents, while the three other teams in the Ellon mini rugby section returned with mixed results.

A good crowd of parents and supporters followed the squad coach to Whitecraigs RFC in the first of a season of journeys down south to take on the best in Scottish rugby.

 Mini section convener Jim Millar said the youngsters were determined to emulate the senior players in constantly improving their skills and the reputation of ERFC.

“To do this, we have no choice but to play 95 Per cent of the season in the southern half of the country,” added Mr Millar.  “We can only thank the growing number of supporters who are willing to undertake these journeys to support the young players.”

Primary Six

Ellon 1   Whitecraigs 3

The P6 team set off enthusiastically for Glasgow for the first matches of the new season. However they were unable to capitalise on that enthusiasm as much as they would have liked in the opening game.  They showed some sparks of promise, but overall the team put in a sleepy performance in the first half which allowed the home team to take control and stamp their authority on the game with two tries.

The second half showed improvement from the Ellon boys and their potential began to show through. Whitecraigs’ third try spurred them into action and they began to pick up the pace. A try from Grant Fox provided more motivation, but the team had left themselves with too much to do in the second half and were unable to even the score.

Ellon 2   Helensburgh 2

With a bit more alertness and zest, Ellon manged to recover some of last season’s form when they took to the field for the second game of the day.  The form which made the team a success last season began to emerge in the second game. Determined play saw Ellon take the advantage in several of the scrums with the pack of Sam Mountain, Andrew Fraser and Joe Senior winning the ball from their opponents and feeding it back to their team mates. Fox made several runs down the centre with the wings, Kristopher Dey and Rory Yuill both making attempts to break through the Helensburgh line.  In the end though it was Senior who succeeded in putting the ball over the line to give Ellon both its tries after some fine team play involving John McLean and Sylvester Cadger. 

Ellon 4   Helensburgh-Whitecraig Barbarians 1

The promised potential of the preceding match was delivered in this final game. Ellon finally woke up and produced some  impressive forward play and strong tackling enabling them to win easily.  Craig Catto found form with his recently acquired kicking skills which meant the team constantly took the game into their opponents half.  Effective tackling from Fox and Thomas Westerman kept the young “Barbarians” from breaking through and Ellon ended the first half in the lead when Mountain found the line seconds before the whistle.

The second half of the game though belonged to Fraser.  Consistently in the thick of things throughout the day’s matches his hard work was rewarded when he found the try line a hairsbreadth ahead of his Whitecraigs pursuer minutes into the second half.  He then raised a huge cheer from the sideline supporters when he ran in his second try moments later then set the seal on success by landing his hat trick just before the final whistle.  Coach Derek Fraser said the form and potential shown at Whitecraigs augured well for the reast of season.  “However the Ellon boys have a lot of hard work ahead of them and a more alert, and sharp, team effort is required in order to build on the success of last year,” he added.

Team: Sylvester Cadger, Craig Catto, Kristopher Dey, Grant Fox, Andrew Fraser, John McLean, Sam Mountain, Joe Senior, Thomas Westerman, Rory Yuill.

THE MEADOWS, ELLON, FRIENDLY – September 16, 2001

Two of Ellon’s mini rugby teams managed a clean sweep against of victories over two of their toughest rivals on Sunday.

The four mini rugby teams were playing at their home ground, The Meadows, against the highly-rated Aberdeen Grammar and Stirling County in their second fixture of the season.

Spectators witnessed some of the best games seen at Ellon at this level outside of the annual tournament, said ERFC mini section convener Jim Millar.  Ellon was able to thrill many of their supporters without whom the atmosphere would not have been as tense and dramatic.

Primary Six

Ellon 8   Aberdeen Grammar 0

Magnificent forward play was the foundation for this well earned victory over Aberdeen Grammar. Relentless rucking and mauling by the P6 pack had Grammmar continuously under pressure throughout the game. The first half saw tries from Rory Yuill (2), Joe Senior (2) and Craig Catto.  Grammar regained their compusure in the second half however Ellon ran in only a further three ties with Andrew Fraser, Grant Fox and Catto the scorers. Ellon's tackling was unforgiving with Thomas Westerman particularly notable.

Ellon 3   Stirling County 2

Ellon had to step up a gear to match the well organised and skilful Stirling side.  Ellon went behind early in the first half only to respond with two tries by Fox and Yuill before the half time break. Ellon were steadily applying the pressure to Stirling, but a momentary lapse of concentration allowed Stirling to level the game early in the second half. Ellon stuck to the task and were rewarded with a fine try in the corner scored by Catto.  The Ellon P6's showed tremendous team, having pinned Stirling back for much of the second half.

Ellon 2   Stirling County 0

A shortened game against Stirling was the last match for Ellon who were aware that Stirling would want to to make amends for their early loss. Ellon however were in an unforgiving mood and the forwards again dominated play with Cadger, Fraser and Mountain continuously winning the ball, allowing the ever busy scrum half Senior to take advantage of the space opened up. The back division of Fox, Catto, Yuill, Westerman and Dey showed their talents by running two tries without reply.  Coaches Ian Cochrane and  Derek Fraser were pleased with the disciplined yet stylish way the team had played. Mr Cochrane said the team was knitting together well and showed promise.

Team: Sylvester Cadger, Craig Catto, Kristopher Dey, Grant Fox, Andrew Fraser, Sam Mountain, Joe Senior, Thomas Westerman, Rory Yuill.

CURRIE, EDINBURGH, FRIENDLY – September 23, 2001

Ellon’s mini rugby players travelled to the heartland of Scottish rugby on Sunday to given a lesson in the game to some of the country’s best teams.

The squad returned from the Stewart’s Melville grounds in Edinburgh with enough wins to prove that they were in the premier league for their age group.

After the series of friendly matches against the cream of the Central Belt, ERFC mini section convener Jim Millar said, “Once again a little town in the North-east has proved that we can take on the best that Scotland has to offer.”

He added: “As always we owe a debt of gratitude to the away supporters who make a vital difference to the game.  Their cheering stiffens the players’ resolve and shows the coaches that they are not alone.”

Ellon 7   Watsonians 0

The  P6 team took on one of the bastions of Scottish rugby when they met George Watson’s College – and claimed a decisive victory.  They faced little real competition from the team, which produced the likes of Gavin and Scott Hastings, and  stamped their mark early on the  game with a quick try from Grant Fox. The Watsonians tried to gain some headway, but determined tackling from Sam Barrett and  Sylvester Cadger kept them confined. Sam  Mountain and  Andrew Fraser stopped any opposition advance in midfield and gave Fox the opportunity to run in two more tries before the half time whistle.  A try early in the second half from Rory Yuill showed Ellon were determined to keep up the pressure and this was followed by a try from Joe Senior which began with a run from within their own half.  Craig Catto made several runs for the try line, but it was Sam Barrett who gave Ellon try number six.  Decisive midfield play from Mountain and Cadger kept Ellon in control and a final try from Yuill gave Ellon their seventh try of the game.

Ellon 5   Stewart’s Melville 1

Ellon faced tougher opposition in their second game and allowed the Edinburgh team to run in an early first try. They immediately rallied to the challenge and turned in a performance which one regular spectator described as their best game of the season.  Fraser took Ellon well into their opponent’s half with a series of  powerful drives.  The Ellon team chased the ball like terriers until their hard work was rewarded when Catto broke  free and scored a well deserved equalising try.  Ellon  put on an impressive display in the remainder of the first half.  Thomas Westerman was constantly in the thick of the action and worked hard to prevent Melville from progressing into the Ellon half. There was impressive play from the forward team of Mountain, Fraser and Cadger who repeatedly won possession of the ball and fed out to the backs, work which was rewarded when Fox ran in another fine try.  The second half began with the forwards again stealing the ball time and again  and passing it  out which gave Yuill the chance to break away and cross the line for Ellon’s third try.  When Edinburgh did get the ball, it was only to find themselves stopped short by superb tackling from Fox and Senior with those who did manage to break through meeting a second tier of committed tacklers in the shape of Catto, Barrett and Yuill.  Ellon never let up and followed this with a superb display of team work which involved the skills of every boy on the field before Fox scored Ellon’s fourth and fifth tries.  Coach Derek Fraser was delighted with his team’s performance.

“This was excellent,” he said. “The boys put in an excellent display on the field. A lot of hard work goes into bringing  the team here and this really paid off.”

Team: Sam Barrett, Sylvester Cadger, Craig Catto, Grant Fox, Andrew Fraser, Sam Mountain, Joe Senior, Thomas Westerman, Rory Yuill.

ABERDEEN GRAMMAR TOURNAMENT – September 30, 2001

ELLON'S mini rugby squad are celebrating their first trophies of the season after lifting two winners' shields at a major tournament in Aberdeen at the weekend.

The primary five and six teams swept the field at Aberdeen Grammar's Rubislaw grounds to take their first silverware of the season, while the primary four and seven squads came runners up in their groups.

The victories marked one of the most successful weekends in the history of the ERFC mini section, with every player taking home a medal.

Stunned Aberdeen Grammar hosts were left dumbfounded as half of their gleaming trophies were loaded on to the Ellon coach to make their way to their new home for at least the next year. 

Mini section convener Jim Millar said the wins cemented Ellon's reputation as the leading force in rugby across the North-east of Scotland and as one of the country's top mini rugby sections.

"Hopefully this will be the first of many such triumphs," said Mr Millar.  "The big task now is making sure the boys keep a level head and maintain the superb standard of rugby we saw on Sunday.

"As usual, the travelling support made the day.  Our supporters were given a feast of sporting skills in return for letting our boys know their efforts were being cheered on from the sidelines."  

Ellon 4   Madras 1

Ellon opened on fine form against one of the tournament favourites.  The Fife side came up against stiff opposition from the forwards and the backs and had to fight hard for their only try off the game.  Good support play from the forwards combined with driving runs from the backs saw Andrew Fraser cross the line.  This was followed up with another score from Sam Mountain while Craig Catto managed to put the ball over the line twice before the final whistle.

Ellon 3   Perthshire 0

Ellon’s second game was against a Perthshire team which was much improved from the last time the two teams met on the field. Despite the score line, Ellon had a hard game on their hands, but strong drives by Fraser, Sylvester Cadger and Rory Yuill coupled with runs from Grant Fox, Alastair Gossip and Catto kept the ball in the opponents’ half.  Ceaseless work by Mountain and Joe Senior in midfield saw them constantly regain the ball from Perthshire hands.  Teamwork in this, as every game, was the key to success with the tries landed by Fox, Cadger and Catto.

Ellon 5   Huntly 0

Ellon were determined to give no quarter when they met Huntly and the spectators who braved the torrential downpour were rewarded by another excellent display.  Senior and Ben Sim were tireless in their pursuit of the ball, keeping it in Ellon’s control.  Lewis Tritton was unlucky not to score following an excellent run.  Nevertheless Ellon stamped their authority on the scoreboard with tries from Catto, Mountain, Gossip (2) and Fox.  Tackling was key to the Ellon game with Fox and Mountain both on good form.  Tackles by Yuill were less popular however -- he’d been drafted in to play for the Huntly team who were a man short.

Ellon 4   Aberdeen Grammar 0 (Semi final)

Ellon came face to face with the home team in their semi final match and were unforgiving.  Grammar were stopped at every turn with excellent tackling from Fox, Tritton, and Mountain.  Grammar broke through once and looked certain to score, but Yuill produced an outstanding tackle when he pursued the runaway from halfway and brought him decisively down just short of the try line.  In contrast, Fraser’s trademark drives enhanced by drives from Sim, Cadger and Yuill won valuable distance for Ellon while breakaway runs from Gossip, Catto and Fox took the ball further and further towards the score line -- moves which paid off with tries from Fox (2), Fraser and Catto.

Ellon 3   Perthshire 0 (Final)

Ellon met up with Perthshire again for the final. Despite their earlier victory they were determined not to be complacent.  By this stage, the constant rain meant that the final was played on a sea of mud which made the quality of play even more impressive.  The boys were virtually unidentifiable from one another for two reasons: the cohesion of the team which saw every boy on the field playing a full part in the success and the coating of mud which obscured their features.  Catto put the first try over the line, an excellent run by Fox gave them their second while another try from Fox just on the final whistle made it three.

The win completed the team's hat trick, winning the Grammar trophy for the third year in a row.  The same team took the P5 trophy last year and the P4 award in 1999.  It was an achievement which head coach Derek Fraser said was well deserved.  “The team have shown that they can be consistently good and today we saw some excellent play from the boys in what were, at times, appalling conditions. Their latest success is all the more notable because they conceded only one try in their five games."

Team:  Sylvester Cadger, Craig Catto, Grant Fox, Andrew Fraser, Alastair Gossip, Sam Mountain, Joe Senior, Ben Sim, Lewis Tritton, Rory Yuill.

GLASGOW ACADEMICALS TOURNAMENT – October 7, 2001

Ellon’s youngest rugby team brought home silver medals at the weekend after taking on some of the best teams in Scotland at a major tournament in Glasgow on Sunday.

Television presenter and comedian Fred Macauley presented the medals to Ellon’s primary four team after they made it to the final of the Glasgow Academicals tournament.

Ellon’s P5 were knocked out in the semi-finals after playing through their pool group one man down, while the primary six and seven teams performed with distinction.

ERFC mini section convener Jim Millar said the teams had again showed they were competing in the top league of Scottish mini rugby.

“Ellon is now a major force in Scottish rugby thanks to the efforts of these kids who turn out to play week after week and the parents and supporters who cheer them on,” said Mr Millar.

Ellon 6   Dumfries 1

Dumfries got off to a good start in this game, but a determined Ellon squad came straight back and took charge of the match. A fine tackle from Craig Catto put the ball in Grant Fox’s hands for the first try of the tourney; a feat which was followed soon after with a second try from Fox. Catto was then rewarded for his earlier hard work when he landed Ellon’s third try.  Dumfries took advantage of an opportunity to put themselves on the scoreboard, but an excellent tackle from Sylvester Cadger kept them from getting two in a row.  Strong drives from Rory Yuill, Sam Mountain, Kristopher Dey and Cadger took the ball deep into Dumfries territory.  John McLean and Joe Senior were constantly in the thick of the action, regaining the ball from their opponents at every opportunity - work which paid off with a well deserved try for Senior.  An excellent run from Catto followed by some fine team passing gave Dey the opportunity to score Ellon’s fifth try with Mountain finally sealing Dumfries’s fate when he made it number six for Ellon.

Ellon 0   North Berwick 0

Ellon faced a much tougher team when they met the Borders town and the quality of rugby stepped up a pace.  There were some excellent demonstrations of team work from the Ellon squad and spectators saw an exciting, skilled game of rugby.  Catto, McLean and Cadger all produced vital tackles which prevented Berwick from progressing too far into Ellon territory.  Senior, Mountain and Fox were tireless in midfield repeatedly winning the ball from their opponents and passing it out to Yuill and Dey who repeatedly drove forward into the opponents’ half.  But it was a game in which neither team could gain the edge to score and they had to settle for a draw -- a score which may have been a fair result, but which failed to reflect the calibre of the game.

Ellon 1   Whitecraigs 5

Based on their previous performance, Ellon went into their third game determined to make their mark, but they couldn’t quite regain the form they had shown against North Berwick.  The Glasgow  team scored an early first try which was swiftly followed by another.  Both trys were disputed by the Ellon coach, but were allowed to stand and although Ellon lost heart slightly they were determined not to give up.  A try from Fox raised team spirits, but Whitecraigs were quick to respond and landed their third try almost immediately afterwards.  The second half brought no better news for Ellon and Whitecraigs landed two more tries before the final whistle.  Coach Mick Leng said that the team had not let themselves down with their performances.  “There was nothing negative about their performance; on the whole, they played very well and I was pleased with their performance and they should be too,” he said.

 Team:  Sylvester Cadger, Craig Catto, Kristopher Dey, Grant Fox, John McLean, Sam Mountain, Joe Senior, Lewis Tritton, Rory Yuill.