P7
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Whitecraigs Friendly Tournament – 15-9-2002 ELLON Rugby Club Junior Section’s mini teams kicked off their new season at the weekend when they travelled to Whitecraigs in Glasgow for a friendly tournament against some of the most notable teams in the Glasgow area. Coaches
were anxious to see the results of the summer training programme and
with Ellon taking 10 wins from 12 matches they were not disappointed. “This was
a good result for us,” said Convener Jim Millar. “We had a lot of
new players of all age groups on the field during this tournament and
the performances we saw gave us an excellent boost for the remainder of
the season. “Once
again we were fortunate that our supporters chose to follow the team on
its four-hour journey to Whitecraigs and as ever, the section would like
to Ellon
6 Glasgow Accies 0
The Primary 7 team started its season with a squad which featured a number of new faces resulting in a team playing competitively for the first time. It didn’t take them long however to make their mark on the game and constant pressure by Ellon saw Grant Fox run in an excellent first try of the season. Ellon kept the pressure up and Jonathon Stalker, in his debut game, scored his first try from a superb run up the field. Superb defence in the second half meant that Accies
made little headway and powerful drives forward from new boy Chris Gay
and relative newcomer Darren Stephen kept the pressure on to give Fox
and Craig Catto the next two tries of the game. A textbook tackle by
Rory Yuill kept Accies at bay, and Yuill followed this up by running in
Ellon’s fifth try. Tireless hard work by Joe Senior throughout the
game was rewarded when he pushed through for a very well deserved sixth
try. Ellon 4 Dalziel 2The determination and skill which Ellon showed in their first game was mirrored in the second. They constantly kept the pressure on the Lanarkshire team and winger David Liddell had some excellent runs which were unfortunate not to be rewarded with tries. Thomas Westerman, back in the game after an absence of several months, had another impressive match with telling tackles halting Dalziel’s progress. Lee Adams was also strong in midfield giving the backs the chance to take the ball and run with it. Tries from Fox and Yuill put Ellon 2-1 up at halftime in what had been a keenly contested first half. The second half saw intense pressure on Dalziel and
action on the try line saw an Ellon hand go down to give them their
third try. Dalziel pulled another back, but Ellon stepped up a gear with
the backs all making runs for the line before Fox nipped over to give
Ellon a 4-2 win. Ellon 2 Whitecraigs 4
A couple of bad lapses by Ellon coupled with unsatisfactory refereeing saw Ellon the losing side of their last game; a score which did not reflect the commitment and determination which they showed on the field. A fine run by Kristopher Dey saw him give Ellon their first score of the game with Fox giving Ellon its second try. Runs from Stalker, Catto, Yuill and Senior all threatened the Whitecraigs line but they were unable to break through. Powerhouse drives from Westerman, Gay and Stephen with support from Adams also put the pressure on and the Whitecraigs victory didn’t come easy. Coaches Derek Fraser and Ian Cochrane said they were delighted with the boys’ performance. “Three of our regular players were out of action
due to injury, yet every player on the field put in a superb performance
and should be very pleased with how they played. We saw a lot of
strengths today and the performances by the newer members of our squad
were particularly encouraging and bode well for the future.” Primary 7 Squad: Lee Adams, Craig Catto ( C), Kristopher Dey, Grant Fox, Chris Gay, David Liddell, Joe Senior, Jonathon Stalker, Darren Stephen, Thomas Westerman, Rory Yuill.
STIRLING COUNTY
ONCE again
Ellon’s Mini Section found itself heading south at the weekend in
order to develop its skills against the big central belt teams. This
time it was a visit to the Section’s old friends and rivals, Stirling
County. And, as is becoming customary, our following of supporters made
the trip south to add their vocal support to those on the pitches.
Ellon 0
Stirling 3 Stirling
are never an easy team to beat the at best of times and this was to be
no exception. Ellon made a strong start to the game with the forwards
making good headway. Kris Dey, playing out of his usual position with a
place in the forwards showed he might have found his niche in the game
with impressive and determined midfield play, which was supported by
powerful drives forward, from Chris Gay and good breaks from Lee Adams.
They were unable to halt Stirling completely though and the home team
broke through twice to score before half time.
In the
second half, Ellon kept up the pressure and unselfish passing from Danny
Copland gave the ball to the backs who kept the pressure up but Ellon
were unable to break through and in fact it was Stirling who added to
their score before the final whistle. Sloppy ball handling was Ellon’s
biggest fault in their first game, but the final score did not reflect
how evenly matched the teams were on the pitch. Ellon 10
Livingston 0 Although
Ellon faced a less challenging team in their second game, they did not
take things easy and played a superb game of rugby with good tackling
and good rucking and much improved ball handling.
Ellon
stepped up a gear and the backs constantly kept the pressure up. Craig
Catto once again showed what a sound attacking force he is, Rory Yuill
was as usual in and out of every action, never giving up, while Grant
Fox again put in a tireless and impressive performance. Wingers David
Liddell and John Stalker both had excellent breaks down their wings and
the commitment of the whole team resulted in the final score which saw
well deserved tries coming from Liddell (3), McDonald (3), Fox (2),
Copland and Stalker. Ellon 3
West of Scotland 5 A scrappy
start by a tiring Ellon side, gave the Glasgow team an early score, a
feat which they soon repeated. Ellon came back though when a swift pass
from Catto to Stalker gave the winger the chance for an excellent run to
the try line. Ellon kept the pressure up and a fine weaving solo run by
Yuill gave Ellon the equaliser just on half time. West
started with a strong run in the second half which gave them an early
score. The Ellon forwards kept the pressure up with Dey continuing his
impressive performance supported by Gay, Adams and Copland who
capitalised on every opportunity to feed the ball out to the backs.
Tireless work by Catto, Fox and Yuill kept the pressure on and
threatened the West scoreline with wingers Liddell and Stalker also
making strong runs for the line which were unlucky not to get through.
Eventually it was McDonald who broke through to give Ellon a third try
but West, with two more tries in the second half, emerged the eventual
winners. Coaches
Deke Fraser and Ian Cochrane said it had been a day of mixed fortunes
which highlighted areas of play which needed to be worked on, but they
said the team had never given up and should be pleased with their
performances.
“Injuries
and other commitments meant that the Primary 7 team which travelled to
Stirling was missing half of its established players and had to play a
relatively inexperienced team with players from another Ellon squad
drafted in to make up numbers. We had to completely rearrange our
forward line which meant several players were playing out of position
but they got stuck into the task at hand,” said Fraser. “That aside,
the team never gave up and gave a committed and commendable performance
and we weren’t disappointed in the way they played. Particular thanks
also to Danny Copland and Rory McDonald for helping us out on the
day.” Primary 7
Squad: Lee Adams, Craig Catto, Danny Copland, Kristopher Dey, Grant Fox,
Chris Gay, David Liddell, Rory McDonald, Jonathan Stalker, Rory Yuill
(Capt.).
Ellon Friendly Tournament- 29-09-02
FOR once, Ellon RFC’s Mini Section found themselves on home ground last weekend when they hosted a friendly tournament which brought in around 200 young players from Ellon, Stirling, Howe of Fife, Aberdeen Wanderers and Aberdeen Grammar. Great weather coupled with a high standard of play on the field produced a great day of sport at an event which proved that Rugby is alive and kicking in Ellon. “The Ellon supporters were out in force as usual and proved no less vocal in their support on home ground. Many new voices swelled the ranks this week and our thanks go to everyone who came down to support us,” said Convener Jim Millar. Ellon 5 Aberdeen Wanderers 0 An early run by Grant Fox took the ball deep in to Wanderers half, setting the style for the remainder of the game. Rory Yuill ran in the first try and followed this soon after by his second. Powerful drives forward by Darren Stephen and Chris Gay kept the ball deep in the Wanderers side, before a pass along the line put it into Fox’s hands for a third try. Ellon kept up the pressure in the second half and Fox ran in an easy fourth try. Tenacious work by Joe Senior took the ball right up the field before a well timed pass to Fox saw him cross the line for the fifth try of the game. Ellon 1 Howe of Fife 7 Ellon let their guard down in their second game and they paid dearly for it at the scoreline. Howe piled the pressure on and Ellon were unable to hold them despite some telling tackles by the home team. Sylvester Cadger, back in the game after an absence of some weeks, drove his way through the line on more than one occasion but despite strong support from Kristopher Dey and Sam Mountain, Ellon could not break through and it was Howe who set the ball down behind the line time and again. Some swift passing from Craig Catto gave winger John Stalker several breaks for the line before Fox once again scored what was to be Ellon’s only try of the game. Ellon 0 Stirling 4 The Ellon team went straight on to the field to face their old rivals Stirling and again it was the southern team who went the extra yard on the day to take honours. Cadger again made an impact with his powerful drives forward with Thomas Westerman supported by Lee Adams keeping up the pressure midfield as they fought for possession. Mountain had several breaks for the line showing that he was back in form after some weeks of injury absence. Dey also broke through to take the ball closer to the Stirling line and Senior as always, was a constant threat with his tireless work, emerging from the pack time and again with the ball in his hands. Passes from Catto pushed the ball out and Yuill, Fox and wingers Liddell and Stalker all made runs for the line but they were unable to break through and in the end Stirling ran out winners with four tries to nil. Ellon 5 Aberdeen Grammar 0 Ellon found their form again in the last game and piled the pressure on. A run by Senior took the ball three quarters of the way up the field before he side-stepped a tackle and passed to Yuill who took it over the line. Minutes later, Yuill put Ellon 2-0 up when he ran in a second try. Dogged determination took David Liddell right up the field and he was unlucky not to score a try for his hard work. Second half action saw most of the early activity focused on the Grammar try line and with Westerman, Adams and Gay pressing hard for the line Ellon quickly scored their third (Yuill) and fourth (Fox) tries of the game. A break by Grammar looked like it might give them a chance to pull back but an excellent tackle by Liddell brought the Aberdeen team to a halt. A powerhouse run by Cadger gave him a well deserved try to put Ellon 5 - 0 up at the final whistle. Primary 7 Squad: Lee Adams, Sylvester Cadger, Craig Catto, Christopher Gay, Kristopher Dey, Grant Fox, David Liddell, Sam Mountain, Joe Senior, Darren Stephen, Jonathan Stalker, Thomas Westerman, Rory Yuill (Captain.)
West Friendly- 03-11-02
YOUNG rugby players from Ellon swept the boards at the weekend when they took part in a friendly tournament at the West of Scotland ground in Glasgow. In what was one of the most successful outings ever, four teams of mini players from the ERFC Junior Section won all 12 games in which they competed, scoring a total of 84 tries compared to only 10 tries scored against them. Convener Jim Millar said players, coaches and supporters alike had been delighted with the outcome of the day which saw Ellon play against Helensburgh and Marr College as well as the host team West of Scotland. “We went down with high hopes but this beat all expectations,” he said. “I would like to congratulate the boys on their performance; they did a great job, played really well throughout the day and thoroughly deserved their success.” Ellon 7 Helensburgh 0 It had been many years since these two teams had met on the field, so no one was sure what to expect. It wasn’t long though before it because clear that Ellon were the stronger team. Ellon took the ball into their opponents half straight from the whistle and it was to remain there for most of the second half. An early mistake by Helensburgh gave Ellon the chance to capitalise and Sylvester Cadger ran in the first try. Fine passing from Rory Yuill to Grant Fox to Cadger set up Ellon’s second try when the ball went back to Fox’s hands who put Ellon two up. An excellent run from David Liddell on the wing was followed by a well-timed pass to Yuill who jinked his way past the opposing players to land Ellon’s third try. Good passing again, this time from Sam Mountain who gained valuable distance before handing over to Liddell who gave Ellon a fourth try. Ellon went 5-0 up at half time after Craig Catto carried the ball almost to the line, a Helensburgh tackle gave them the ball but Ellon’s persistence paid off when Jonathon Stalker carried it back up towards the line and passed to Yuill who dived over the line to score. Ellon’s play turned fairly scrappy in the second half giving Helensburgh a bit more freedom to move the ball around but the forward trio of Andrew Fraser, Darren Stephen and Kristopher Dey worked constantly to keep them under control and they had few real chances of advancing to the Ellon score line. Ellon upped their score line when Fox took a dive over the line for the team’s sixth try which was followed soon after by final try from Yuill. Ellon 3 West of Scotland 0 Ellon expected a tougher game here and they got it. Last time the two teams met, West ran out convincing 5-3 winners at an earlier friendly tournament at Stirling County. Much of the scrappiness of the first game disappeared as Ellon stepped up a notch and improved their performance. An injury to Andrew Fraser but him out of action and there was a slight rejigging among the forwards. Some good team play from Ellon with sound passing and several well delivered tackles - notably from Stalker on the wing, put Ellon in position to score when Fox ran in a fine try. West fought hard to even things up but Stephen, Dey and Thomas Westerman took control of the centre of the field. Powerhouse runs from Cadger took the ball deep into the opponents half time and again but it was another determined run from Liddell with good support play from Mountain and Catto which resulted in Liddell getting the ball back in his hands to take over the try line for Ellon’s second. The second half saw more of the same, with Ellon playing a determined, structured game which involved good teamwork from every player which again saw Fox cross the try line. Ellon 5 Marr College 2 The Ellon team anticipated a tough game against Marr, a side they only narrowly defeated at a tournament earlier in the season. Marr started the game strongly and looked as though they would get an early score but good defence from Ellon kept them away from the score line and Dey, Westerman and Stephen kept them from progressing. Ellon kept up the pressure and the persistence paid off when Cadger powered up the field to gain distance and Catto made a quick pick up of a loose ball to run through the opposition to score for Ellon. Marr pulled one back when a player ran through a line of Ellon players who were slow to respond. But breakaway runs by Liddell and Yuill kept the pressure up until Catto made it two in a row when fine support work play saw him pick up and run with a loose ball after a tackle on Liddell. A determined run from Mountain in the second half helped up Ellon’s score again when Fox took up the loose ball and ran it over the line. Marr tried to retaliate but faultless tackling from Stalker on the wing stopped them in their tracks time and again and it was Ellon, in the shape of Fox who added to the score line. Another try from Marr came too late to pose any real threat and it was Ellon who scored again when Liddell ran up the wing and took the ball over the line. Primary 7: Sylvester Cadger, Craig Catto, Kristopher Dey, Grant Fox, Andrew Fraser, David Liddell, Sam Mountain, Jonathon Stalker, Darren Stephen, Thomas Westerman, Rory Yuill (Captain)
Stewart Melville, Edinburgh Friendly Tournament – 02-03-03
After a long winter break enforced by weather conditions, players from the Primary 4 to Primary 7 squads of ERFC’s junior section took to the road again when they traveled to the Stewart Melville grounds in Edinburgh at the weekend to take part in a friendly tournament. The teams had taken part in a successful friendly training tournament with local teams from Aberdeen Grammar, Moray and Mackie, at Ellon, the preceding weekend. Not only was the day good fun for the participants but it provided a chance to strengthen relationships with other clubs. It also provided Ellon’s first challenge since November and they were keen to continue their match play experience at Edinburgh prior to their all-important home tournament this weekend.
Ellon 5 Stirling County 1 After the long winter hiatus, Ellon’s Primary 7 team was desperate to get on to the field and it showed during their first game. They piled the pressure on early and it wasn’t long before concerted team effort put the ball in Grant Fox’s hands for him to jig past his opponents to score the first try. Strong midfield play from Joe Senior along with Sam Mountain and Jonathan Stalker kept Ellon in control and a pass to Rory Yuill gave him the chance to weave past Stirling County to put Ellon 2-0 at half time. Impressive ground gaining drives from Sylvester Cadger, Chris Gay and Andrew Fraser kept Ellon deep in the Stirling side at the start of the second half, pressure that was rewarded when a long pass to David Liddell saw him outrun the Stirling pack to score impressively again for Ellon. Danny Copland also made his mark on the game, clearing the ball out to the Ellon backs and giving them room to run. A defensive lapse by Ellon let Stirling get onto the score board but a well timed pass from Craig Catto to Fox saw him score his second of the game and an excellent run from Yuill saw him score a try in the corner right on the final whistle.
Ellon 0 Stewart Melville B 3 Everything that had gone right in the first game, went wrong in Ellon’s second game. The team which had been focussed and which had put in a consolidated effort came apart in the second game. An early try from the home team, seemed to put Ellon off their stride and passing which had been sharp and precise in the first game became sloppy and badly timed and tackles were missed giving Stewart Melville free rein. Stewart Melville fielded a strong disciplined team, but not an unbeatable team. The game picked up in the second half and Stewart Melville were prevented from scoring on more than one occasion by determined Ellon defence and improved tackling, however the Ellon players were unable to take the ball over the line and it was the Edinburgh side who tallied up more points.
Ellon 0 Stewart Melville A 6 Ellon went straight back on to the pitch to face the second Stewart Melville team and the downhearted way in which they took to the field showed in their lacklustre performance as a team. They never really looked as though they would take control of the game and Stewart Melville, a bigger, stronger, more focussed team on the day, took advantage of this and made the most of every loose ball and seized every opportunity to add to their score line.
Ellon 6 Biggar 0 It was a different team that took to the field for the last game of the day. Ellon took charge right from the start and showed more of the flair and form which they are capable of. A break by Cadger led to a pass to Stalker which put Ellon on the score board when he carried the ball over the line with Ellon adding to their score soon after then an unchallenged run from Fox put them 2-0 up. Just before half-time, Senior was rewarded for his tireless work with a score. Into the second half, and Ellon kept the pressure with Mountain and Catto giving Biggar no chance to progress. Again, Fraser and Gay thrust their way up the field before the ball was fed out to the wings. Spirited runs from Liddell threatened the try line on more than one occasion. A pass out to the left wing saw Yuill take the ball and run it through his opponents to score again, a move which was followed by another good try from Fox. A move from Stalker saw him make some ground before Catto took the ball and raced through to put Ellon 6-0 up at the final whistle.
Primary 7 team: Craig Catto, Danny Copland, Sylvester Cadger, Grant Fox, Andrew Fraser, Chris Gay, David Liddell, Sam Mountain, Joe Senior, Jonathan Stalker (Capt), Rory Yuill.
Ellon Tournament – 9-3-03
The Primary 4 and 6 teams from ERFC’s Junior Section emerged triumphant at the weekend after taking top placing in their Home Tournament at Ellon Meadows. The Primary 5 and 7 teams also made their mark when both won through to the semi-finals in their age groups. More than 350 young players from 10clubs took part in the Tournament, which is the highlight of the ERFC Junior Section calendar. The event attracted some of the best teams in Scotland with clubs from Edinburgh, Glasgow, Stirling, Ayr, Fife, Livingston, Musselburgh and Aberdeen joining the home club. The standard of rugby at all ages was outstanding with players aged from eight to 12 demonstrating the skills and talent which will undoubtedly see many of them called to join national teams in the future. Tournament organiser, Derek Fraser said that the success of the event had been down to teamwork. “I’d like to thank all the coaches, parents and supporters for their help both prior to the event and on the day itself. The reward for all their hard work was an event, which ran smoothly off the field and the chance to watch some top class rugby on the field. “I’d particularly like to thank all our local players who took part in the tournament. They put heart and soul into what they were doing and two winners and two semi-finalists was an excellent result for Ellon. They faced some very tough opposition and they proved that they were up to the challenge and consolidated Ellon’s position as one of the best junior and mini sections in the North of Scotland.”
Ellon 1 Ayr 0Ellon faced a tough challenge in their first game of the tournament when they came up Ayr, a team they have never beaten. But they started off determined to take the game to their opponents. What followed was a superb display of rugby from both teams. Excellently co-ordinated team play put the ball into Grant Fox’s hands and he left several members of the opposition standing to run in an early first try. Ayr were determined to win one back but very, very solid forward play from Sylvester Cadger, Chris Gay, Andrew Fraser, Craig Catto and Sam Mountain meant that the southern team made little headway into the Ellon half. When Ayr did try to break away down the wings, they found themselves stopped time and again by tackles from Rory Yuill and David Liddell. Powerful midfield play from Joe Senior, Jonathon Stalker and Grant Fox kept the pressure on Ayr but with such evenly matched teams, neither side was able to add to the score line and Ellon ran out winners.
Ellon 2 Aberdeen Grammar 1After such an impressive first game, Ellon lifted their foot off the pedal in the second game. Cadger, whose powerful drives had carried the ball up the field on more than one occasion was rewarded for his hard work by scoring a try which put Ellon 1-0 up at half time. Ellon kept the pressure on though and a midfield trio of Kris Dey, Lee Adams and Fraser pushed deep into the Aberdeen half, before releasing the ball to the backs. A run from Catto threatened the Grammar line and Yuill and Fox both made breakaway runs which put Aberdeen on the defence. A missed tackle from Ellon gave Grammar the chance they were looking for and they ran in a fine try to equalise. But the Ellon team was determined not to lose this game. Gay powered through the opposition and a run from Stalker proved a threat but it was Liddell on the wing who eventually got the ball and wove through the opposition to score an excellent winning try.
Ellon 2 West of Scotland 2
Ellon again faced tough opponents when they met West of Scotland and took a little time to get into their game which gave the Glasgow team the edge in the first half. Ellon began picking up the pace and gelling more as a team. Again we saw Cadger, Gay and Fraser power into the opponents’ half and good clearance by Mountain and Catto fed the ball to Stalker and Senior who both made breaks for the line. Once again, it was Grant Fox who broke through to score for Ellon, but Ellon ended the first half 2-1 down. Ellon piled on the pressure in the second half and the game started to open up. Both West tries in the first half had come from fine solo runs by big players who were physically faster than the smaller Ellon boys. Determined not to let them run through again, Ellon picked up a gear and excellent tackles from Yuill, Liddell and Senior stopped West from progressing. Team work saw Ellon push West right to their own line and Senior, who had been in the thick of the action, got a hand to the ball to put it down over the line for Ellon’s equalising try.
Semi Final Ellon 0 Howe of Fife 3
Ellon’s unbeaten performances in their first three games saw them secure a place in the semi-final where they came up against Howe of Fife, the eventual tournament winners. Howe is a very well disciplined team which makes the most of all opportunities and they demonstrated this when they took advantage of some poor Ellon tackling to run in their first try, a feat which they followed soon after by an almost copycat try. Ellon picked up the pace, regaining some of the form which they had shown in the first game and started to pile the pressure on but couldn’t convert this to a score. At the start of the second half, Ellon showed that they were determined to make their mark, but it was Howe which added to the scoreline again with another quick try. Ellon worked hard to retain control and there were several threats to the Howe line, but strong Howe defence kept Ellon from scoring and it was the Fife team which went on to face – and beat – Edinburgh’s Stewart’s Melville in the final.
Primary 7 team: Lee Adams, Sylvester Cadger, Craig Catto, Kristopher Dey, Grant Fox, Andrew Fraser, Chris Gay, David Liddell, Sam Mountain, Joe Senior, Jonathan Stalker (Capt), Rory Yuill
Forresters Tournament- 16-03-03 Edinburgh
Ellon’s young rugby players were among the silverware again last weekend after the Primary 4 and Primary 7 teams both picked up runners-up medals at the annual Forresters’ tournament in Edinburgh. The Primary 5 and 6 teams also distinguished themselves by winning their leagues to gain places in the 3-4 playoffs.
After their disappointment at missing out at a place in the final at their home tournament the previous week, the boys were determined to go one better this week and arrived in Edinburgh a determined and eager team.
Ellon 6 Forresters Barbarians 1
The first game pitted Ellon against a mix of Forresters, Watsonians and North Berwick Players who formed the basis of the Forrester Barbarians. After a shaky start the Ellon forwards, led by Sam Mountain, soon settled into their normal rhythm and were quickly on the score sheet with David Liddell scoring in the corner after some fine passing from John Stalker and Sylvester Cadger. Grant Fox was a different player from the one we watched at the Meadows the week previously. He made the most of the quality possession being afforded him by Ellon’s second row of Craig Catto and the newly promoted Lee Adams. Two scores came from Fox in quick succession, when he burst through the Barbarians defence to put Ellon in the driving seat.
The second half started the way the first finished with Ellon playing some wonderful rugby. The forwards were left to ruck and drive at will and Andrew Fraser flashed over the line with for a well-earned try. The forwards by now were becoming increasingly hungry for more and Mountain was dominant in the loose, playing some great rugby to lead the forwards on, allowing Kristopher Dey to score his first of the day. Fox finished the rout with a fine solo effort for his hat trick.
Ellon 6 Linlithgow 1
Linlithgow had beaten Ellon earlier in the season at a Stewarts Melville meet and the Central belt team started the game all guns blazing and took an early lead, which stunned the Ellon lads into action. After some excellent ball retention from the Ellon pack, with Chris Gay being ever-present, Fox released Cadger for a mazy run culminating in Ellon’s equalizer. The forwards were reminded by coach Jeff Mountain that there was a job to do and they stuck to their task again led by Fraser and Mountain, this ensured that the backs were able to run onto some quality ball and Fox provided first class delivery to Stalker who in turn released his wingers for Liddell to score his second try of the day. The ubiquitous Fox just got better and slammed in three tries in quick succession after some fine rucking from Adams and Catto. Ellon were by now in top gear and Dey completed the route with a brave score in the corner after breaking two tackles to score.
Ellon 3 Currie 3
Currie arrived at the Tournament a determined side. They had the luxury of travelling with 17 players and the side that faced Ellon were fresh and definitely up for it. Currie ran in a quick try on the wing and the Ellon boys knew they had a game on. Ellon’s forwards were now up against a formidable pack who were well drilled and gave Fraser, Dey and Gay a hard time in the set piece. The forwards were not to be out done and retained their composure in time to see Fox wind his way throughout the Currie defence after some amazing driving from Adams and Catto. Currie was having none of it and rallied to score two quick tries down the wing. Ellon were now in danger of an early bath after showing such promise in the first two games. However no one had informed Lee Adams of this and he burst through onto a loose ball, and powered his way over the line to put Ellon one try behind Currie.
The backs were by now coming onto their game and some fine defence and tackling from Cadger, Stalker and Fox upset the flow of Currie’s play. It was from a well-rehearsed move that Liddell burst up the wing to earn Ellon a well-deserved draw.
Final Ellon 2 Forresters 4
The boys had achieved their goal and had reached the Final. The game started with Ellon scoring early on after some driving runs from Fraser, allowing the rest of the forwards led by the “Shepherd” Mountain to provide quick ball for Fox to release his backs, finishing with a score for Liddell, again in the corner. Forresters were now looking hard for a reply and it came soon after with a well worked try. Again the Ellon lads raised their game and Stalker, Cadger and Dey tackled like demons in an attempt to upset our hosts into making errors. The Ellon forwards, with Catto and Gay leading by example, were again involved in some wonderful rucking and rolling mauls and this allowed Liddell to score Ellon’s second score. The first half finished two apiece.
The second half started at a much faster pace than the first and the Ellon boys who had travelled with no substitutes were by now tiring. Nevertheless they stuck to their task and Fraser was outstanding in his desire to stem the flow of the Forrester’s forwards, unfortunately there was nothing left in the tank and Forresters ran in two tries to end the game.
Coaches Derek Fraser and Jeff Mountain paid tribute to the team. Last week, our ball retention was poor so we concentrated on this aspect of our game at our mid week training session and on Sunday, the difference was there to be seen, the team were technically superior to all of the other teams,” said Fraser. “A fantastic effort from the boys – let’s just hope that they can go one better at the forthcoming Howe of Fife Tournament in two weeks time,” added Mountain.
Primary 7 team: Lee Adams, Sylvester Cadger, Craig Catto, Kristopher Dey, Grant Fox, Andrew Fraser, Chris Gay, David Liddell, Sam Mountain, Jonathan Stalker
Howe of Fife Tournament – 30/03/03
Ellon’s Primary 7 team was among the silverware for the second week in a row when they took the runners’ up awards at the Howe of Fife tournament last weekend. It was a well-deserved victory with each member of the team playing consistently well throughout the tournament and maintaining his determination to never give up. Teams from Primaries 4 to 6 also performed well as they took on teams from Perthshire, St Andrews, Edinburgh and Dunfermline as well as the Cupar-based home club.
Ellon 6 Currie 0The game started with both teams clearly wanting an early victory and a keen contest began with neither side making real headway. Ellon began forging ahead when Rory Yuill drove his way to within feet of the try line before being taken down. Craig Catto followed with a similar move that again took Ellon to the line; Andrew Fraser then got the ball and used his strength to drive down the field and over the line for the important first try. Grant Fox, dodging a tackle landed Ellon’s second try soon after to put Ellon 2-0 up at half time. Ellon piled on the pressure in the second half against the Edinburgh side which constantly threatened and worked their way to the line where Joe Senior grabbed the ball and took it over to score Ellon’s third. Ellon’s retrieval of the ball from a scrum saw Fox take quick advantage of a break in the Currie defence line to run in a fine second try. Ellon kept up the pressure and a lovely weaving run by Jonathan Stalker took the ball right up the field before he passed to Sylvester Cadger to score. Ellon finished the game in good form when Fox ran in his hat trick.
Ellon 3 Perthshire 1Ellon piled on the pressure and wings David Liddell and Rory Yuill both came close to scoring before Cadger used his pace to run in his first of the day. Ellon kept up the pressure and a breaking run by Sam Mountain took the ball up the field before passing to Cadger to take it over the line again. Ellon knew they had to keep up the pressure in the second half. Kris Dey ran the ball up the field before passing to Joe Senior who powered his way up the field before passing to Stalker to dodged past the opposition to score Ellon’s third.
Ellon 7 Madras 2Ellon got off to a good start when Fox used his speed to run in an early first try. Madras retaliated however and piled on the pressure to equalise. A period of midfield play saw Chris Gay, Mountain, Catto and Fraser come up against the opposing forwards time and again but it was Madras who broke through to score again. Ellon were under pressure but a sniping run from Senior took the ball clear giving Fox the chance to break out and run in to score an equaliser just on the half time whistle. As the game restarted, Ellon stepped up the pace and Lee Adams broke from the pack to put Ellon ahead. Madras fought back but excellent tackles from Yuill, Liddell, Stalker and Senior thwarted their breaks down the wing. A lovely long solo run from Liddell put Ellon further ahead and Madras seemed to lose heart. Catto captured a catch and drove for the line to score Ellon’s fifth try. Ellon piled on the pressure which saw Gay drive forward and break free to threaten the Madras line before Scott Mitchell who had joined the club only the previous week and was playing in his first tournament made an impressive run towards the line before being tackled by an opponent. The next move came from Fox, who again ran the ball up the field before passing to Cadger to put down the ball.
Ellon 10 Dunfermline 0Early pressure from Ellon saw Fox open the scoring. Dunfermline were keen to equalise and put on the pressure but Mountain, Fraser and Gay took control of the midfield and gave them little chance to advance. A solo run down the wing by Yuill put Ellon further ahead, a move which he swiftly followed when he caught the ball from a kick and nipped up the field and over the line. He completed his hat trick when he wove his way up the field past the Dunfermline defence to score again. Time and again Senior broke from midfield action and a pass to Catto saw him sprint up the line to put Ellon 5-0 up at half time. The second half saw Dey moving deep into the opponents half before a timely pass to Adams saw him carry it over the line. Fox, unstoppable at his best, then put Ellon further ahead by scoring two more for a hat trick. Cadger then collected from Mountain to run in number nine. Fraser again piled the pressure on and Gay also broke free, shrugging off his opponents to make a run for the line. But in the end, it was Mitchell who was to put Ellon into double figures when he dodged three Dunfermline players to score a decisive first ever tournament try.
Ellon 1 Howe of Fife 4The tournament had been played on a round robin basis but as both Ellon and the home team had won all their games, the last – and deciding - encounter of the tournament took on all the significance of a final. Ellon had been on top form all day and they were determined to keep it up. The forwards worked hard to gain ground with Fraser and Gay driving up the field again and again supported by Mountain and Catto but it was Howe who broke through twice to score. Ellon continued the pressure and resulted in a score from Fox. Ellon again pushed and Stalker and Cadger cleared out to Yuill and Liddell on the wing but a strong Howe defence halted good runs from them. Ellon came back in the second half with Dey and Adams threatening the defence. Midfield action saw Mountain, Catto and Gay continue to pressure but again Howe broke through to score. Liddell and Stalker both broke through only to come up against effective defence and it was Howe who put another over the line before the final whistle.
Primary 7 team: Lee Adams, Sylvester Cadger, Craig Catto, Kristopher Dey, Andrew Fraser, Grant Fox, Chris Gay, David Liddell, Scott Mitchell, Sam Mountain, Joe Senior, Jonathan Stalker, Rory Yuill.
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. Illness-related late pullouts meant that Ellon travelled to Edinburgh with just eight players in the Primary 7 squad. However the team from Heriots had arrived with a very big squad and agreed to lend Ellon four players.
Ellon 0 Marr 1 With a quick introduction to their temporary teammates, the Ellon P7s took to the pitch for the first game of the season. Ellon took the ball right up to the Marr 5metre line where they lost the ball due to an unforced error. Marr used their position well and drove Ellon back into their own half and went over to score the only try of the game. The rest of the game followed the same pattern with Ellon winning some good ball only to lose it with poor passing or losing it in the rucks and mauls and then having to defend.
Ellon 1 Stewart’s Melville 7 Stewart Melville started this game at a fast pace but gave away a penalty 10metres into the Ellon half. From the tap, Stew Mel forced Ellon into a handling error and broke through to score. Stew Mel scored a further two tries by using better discipline in the rucks and mauls, and having an extra man in the line when the ball came free. Ellon proved that when they retained the ball they could penetrate the Stew Mel defence and score. The second half saw Stew Mel's better discipline prove still too much for Ellon and they went on to score a further four tries.
Ellon 1 Heriots 2 Ellon pushed Heriots right back to their 5metre line from the start. Heriots won a loose ball and with the wind at their backs, put a clearance kick 3/4 back down the pitch. In the resulting chase for the ball, Heriots knocked on. They then won the ball in the scrum and managed to push over for a try. There followed some end to end rugby before Heriots got their second try. In the second half, Ellon’s tackling improved considerably, and they were able to stop the Heriots attacks and most of the play was in the Heriots half. The pressure was enough to get the Ellon team a try. The games showed up Ellon's lack of match practice, but it also showed up some of their strengths which gave the coaches confidence that the team will improve and go on to win their share of future matches. The coaches would also like to welcome David Evans into the team. Primary 7 team:- Michael Copland, David Evans, Derek Gault, James Halmshaw, Shaun Marr, Andrew Ovenstone, Stephen Robinson, Keith Ross
Stirling Friendly Tournament- 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 2 Stirling A 4The first game of the day saw Ellon get off to a slow start after the bus journey from Ellon to Stirling. The team put up a gallant fight in this encounter but lost out to the host team although a draw would have more accurately reflected just how close this match was.
Ellon 1 Stirling B 6The second encounter against a Stirling team saw the home squad displaying its ability to interchange players to its advantage which gave them the edge and although the Ellon boys never gave up, they resigned themselves to the final score.
Ellon 2 Linlithgow 1 Injuries meant that Ellon was two players down for the final game of the day but their opponents very generously lent two players. Undaunted by their previous defeats, the Ellon team put in a gallant effort and should be congratulated for their success in this game. Primary 7 Team: Michael Copland, David Evans, Derek Gault, James Halmshaw, Andrew Ovenstone, Shaun Marr, Stephen Robinson, Keith Ross, Scott Youngman.
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. Ellon 0 North Berwick 12The final score in
this encounter does no justice to the way the Ellon team played in this
game. Throughout this game Ellon kept trying to pressurise the Berwick
team, but they are very experienced and their superior discipline
showed.
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