S2, U15, U16 and U18 all had low numbers due to injuries, The world Cup starting and people travelling to see a game or two, and there was a BB camp also. In the youth’s Red Conference is was Deeside Wanderers (a mix of Deeside and Aberdeen Wanderers) away.
U18 played Saturday with a numerical disadvantage from the outset, Ellon took to the pitch with 14 players against a strong Wanderers team. Carrying also two players who were recovering from illness and injury, Ellon started in determined fashion and in an exciting and physically draining first half, scores were exchanged before Wanderers scored a try in the corner with the last play of the half to take a 19 – 14 half time lead.
Due to the high work rate and with no respite available, Ellon lost a couple more tries before an accidental Wanderers boot made contact with the back of Aaron Bonner’s head, resulting in Ellon now being down to 13 players and the Ellon Doctor having to perfect his sewing technique on the sidelines.
With 15 minutes left Wanderers had opened up a 37 – 14 lead, when a strong challenge by one of the hard working Ellon forwards, resulted in him having to leave the field as a precautionary measure. Now with 12 on the pitch the Under 18’s refused to back down and pressed on to complete the game. Their bravery was rewarded with a great team try finished by Sean Whyte. Ellon held out until once again the last play of the half resulted in another Wanderers try. Final score; 42 – 19.
High admiration and praise must be paid to the work rate, tackling and organisational discipline displayed by each and every Ellon Under 18 player on the pitch. The team spirit, character and determination of the team ensured that Wanderers had to work extremely hard to earn their victory.

Sunday morning saw S1 and S2 play in Banchory. With S2 low on numbers S1 lent two players up to help out. S1 played against a very good Deeside Wanderers team and had some great phases of rugby. One try score by man of the match Ben Dickie and converted by Ewen Orus. Deeside with a couple of very strong players took the game 24 – 4. S2 Lost out 46 – 0, while in the afternoon U15 and U16 played some outstanding rugby. Both games marred by a couple of injuries, one at each age band. U16 played the best rugby of the two teams but lost 5 – 0. They were very frustrated by not getting offside penalties, but held their heads up and got on with the game. U15 lost 55 – 17 and they also started with 14 players and dropped to 13 part way through.
A tough weekend in the Red Conference, sees Ellon with a break this coming weekend as the fixtures was supposed to be the Gordonstoun game (played midweek a few weeks back). Next up is Mackie away on the weekend of 3rd and 4th of October.

Ellon First XV had their first home game of the season, and with a good crowd, a Guard of honour and lots of youngsters staying on to watch the game was entertaining. Although low on numbers and in a lower league, the new look Ellon team is really coming together as a team and as a club team. They arrived for the game early and spent time with the juniors and youth players, helped with the open day and on the field they look like a team. Ellon lost the game 17 – 31 but played some good rugby and played to the last minute. This weekend sees Caledonia 1 team Dunfermline travel to Ellon for a cup game. Ellon look to play a few of the youngsters in the game alongside some old heads, with Prop Barry Smith back from his holidays! Hopefully the young lads will learn from playing a good quality side like Dunfirmline and playing with the older players in the squad.