Deeside were expecting a tough test against an undefeated Ellon 2's side. However, on arrival at Woodend it was clear that Ellon 2's had not travelled with a full squad - a problem we have encountered and had to deal with ourselves. The away team had brought a 14-man squad and Deeside were keen to make the numbers count in our favour for once with a bench-full of subs available. In fact the U18 fixture away at Gordonstoun had been called off earlier so we had a few U18's that had been approved to play adult rugby in the squad and starting as a centres partnership in the backs. Within 2 minutes Deeside were leading with a try from Adam Chiverton returning from injury and converted by James Long. Ellon had come to play though and pulled a try back on 8 minutes but were unable to convert. Deeside bounced back quickly and became dominant with tries after 11, 20, 24, 26, 31 and 35 minutes by James Long, Keith Nicol (his first for Deeside), Craig McDonald, Rory Meldrum (U18), and two for Angus Fraser (U18) with two conversions by James Long. At half-time Deeside were leading 41-5. With such a healthy lead Deeside made several substitutions at half-time and it took a while to get back into their rhythm but the visitors never really threatened. On the 60 minutes mark Deeside were back on the scoresheet through Rory Meldrum who scored his hat trick of tries on 70 minutes. Coach Scott McNeil came off the bench and bagged a try on 75 minutes and Adam Chiverton wrapped up the game with his second try on 79 minutes. All tries in the second half were converted by James Long to take the final score to an impressive 69-5 victory for Deeside. Ellon to their credit never gave up and the game was played in the right spirit with the referee having a very quiet game.
This was a great win for Deeside with every member of the squad playing their part and giving 100% for the team. However particular thanks to the U18's that played and contributed 5 out of 11 of the Deeside tries and so much more, and to those that turned up to support the team. We have a week off now before heading for an away fixture at Fraserburgh on 23 November.
See the action here match photos