Mackie P4 - Kinross Champions 2015

There were 6 sides in a round robin format so all teams played each other

First up for Mackie were Linlithgow . The Mackie defence was off to a strong start and never let their opponents settle. Strong running from well worked tap starts soon ran up a healthy lead. Mackie relaxed a bit towards the end but still ran out 5 – 3 winners. A good start as winning the first game helps morale no end

Second up were West Of Scotland. In an entertaining and skilful game both teams retained possession well and scores followed. Both defences were making tackles and working hard but both offences were keeping possession well and working scoring opportunities. A superb game ended 6 all with Mackie a little unlucky at their opponents scored off the games last play.

After a long break and a chance to reorganise P4’s had two crunch games in a row against the might of Melrose and the home side. The Mackie Machine had tightened up defensively and began to employ teamwork to better effect. Each tackled player had support arriving at the rucks to retain possession and and the tackling was ferocious. Mackie won a tough game 3 -1 to get back on track and were now in the mood.

Almost immediately Mackie were back on against the hosts who were backed by a large crowd. This was an immensely tough and physical game. The players showed tremendous resolve and desire to win , with teammates queuing up to make try saving tackles. Mackie gradually took some control of the fiercely contested breakdown, were able to distribute the ball well and scored some great tries. Final score 4_ 1 Mackie

The final game was against Dundee who we had played recently. Mackies superior fitness and skills told against a Dundee side who had just had a hard game against West. The players were rotated to give all game time but the outcome was the same as Mackie tackled like demons, rucked fiercely and used the ball well to set runners free. If a player was tackled there was always a Black shirt in support as Mackie ran out well deserved 7 – 3 winners

West who we had drawn with earlier had an identical record so there ensued a long wait for players coaches and families while all scores were tallied up. At the end the result was a TIE. Mackie and West of Scotland had both scored 18 points out of 20 AND scored the same number of tries so the Trophy was shared.

A great result for Mackie P4 in their first contact tournament and a testament to the squad strength as they had had a very tough practice match against the non travelling P4’s the day before