The murky and mild air was in stark contrast to the well kept, clearly marked out pitch and warm welcome from our P6 Ellon hosts.

Dustythefitnesspainmaster, with the help of Gareththedefencecoach and Frankiepitchsideconsultant took the squad through a warm up working on core strength, handling, warming up their shoulders, tackling and lastly getting their heart rate up.

It was agreed both teams would play 3x10 mins to allow each team to get water on and maximise opportunities to highlight any "work ons" for the next 10 minute game.

Mackie started off strong and quickly found their scoring form by racing into a 5-0 lead after the first 10 mins. They applied what they already knew by staying connected and started to try out their new skills at the breakdown when a ruck was formed.

The second third finished 3-4 to Ellon as both teams displayed some clever kicking rugby and good evasion into spaces that came available as the game ebbed and flowed.

The final third finished 4-4 as yet again both teams started to really adapt to the new laws with Mackie showing how to use the sprial kick to pin the opposition back and smart use of the grubber kick as a form of attack.

Final score 12-8 Mackie.

Thanks to our hosts for their warm welcome, healthly competition and providing the opportunity for all players to Learn, Explore, Adapt, Reflect and show No one is the same (LEARN).

Also thanks to those parents/ carers for getting the players to the game and providing that positive encouragement as the "9th player" on the touchline.

Remember to ask yourself what is the one thing I need to stop doing and the one thing I need to start doing to improve my rugby skills for kicking, rucking and scrummaging?

GameTastic Peeps

Dustythefitnesspainmaster
Gareththedefencecoach
Frankiepitchsideconsultant
Andywackysocks2