Mackie P4 Kinross Tournament Champions 2016

The line up of opposition was strong with sides from all over, Melrose, West of Scotland, Perth, Dundee and the hosts Kinross.

After a very sluggish warm up took to the field to play against recent visitors Perth who had looked very strong on their visit to Redcloak. The coaching team were a bit apprehensive , but straight from kick off the team sprang into action. Every tackle only resulted in the ball being recycled with runners looking for the ball. Mackie won 7 or 8 rucks and the pressure lead to the first score after about 90 seconds..no Perth player had touched the ball! As we had seen last week Perth had some tricky runners and worked hard to recycle the ball. They were soon level. It was a real contrast in styles and each Mackie try was met by a Perth reply. Mackie were demonstrating the stronger teamwork and eventually prevailed 5 - 4 in what was an outstanding match.

Next up were West of Scotland. In a much slower game with neither side helped by inconsistent refereeing Mackie always held the edge but were made to fight hard by a very determined opposition. The Mackie organisation was stronger with wingers staying in position and Wests runners being chopped down by strong tackling. Mackie won this 4 -2.

3rd up were Melrose who looked strong. With one strong powerful and pacy forward a real livewire in the backs we were going to need a real team effort to keep the Borderers at bay. In what was another really good fast paced game both sides struggled to impose themselves and players on both sides queued up to make try saving tackles. Unfortunately Mackies rucking came of the boil in this game which led to a couple of breakaway scores. Mackie fought all the way but our opponents gave nothing away either. Despite our best efforts we went down 3 - 2.

This loss seemed to inspire the Mackie Red Machine against our next opponents, the hosts Kinross. Mackie were not going to lose a second time! The home side came out throwing everything at Mackie but again tackles were made to keep Kinross out. As players started to tire in the heat gaps appeared and Mackie used both speed and brawn at the tap starts to ease clear. Mackies rucking did desert them in the heat of battle which led to a very tough Kinross side scoring some late tries. Final score 8 - 6

Last up were Dundee. Mackie thought a win in this would secure runners up. Against a very committed Dundee side they soon were clearly ahead but in time honoured tradition we kept letting our opponents back into the game . Mackies stronger squad really made the difference in this match as we pulled away to win 7-4.

After a much needed Burger break we awaited the final results from our Round Robin League. The announcer called out."In second place Melrose with 4 wins and 23 tries scored, but the Winners are Mackie 4 wins and 24 tries scored! " I dont know who was more surprised, the coaches or the players! What a great way to end our first tournament as Champions.

The good news is that we know you can play better so imagine how good you will be when we play as well as we can!

Team: Michael, Jude, Rurik, Craig, William , Ryan L, Archie, Ryan S, Duncan, Barnaby

Thanks to Kinross for a great day and superb weather and to the travelling Mackie Army for their great support, I could hardly hear myself shout!