2nd Round of NE Minis League

This was the match that everyone had been looking forward to as the home side were allowed the use the home changing room and play on the hallowed 1st XV pitch.

The squad entered the clean changing rooms to see their clean, readily pressed Mackie Rugby Club playing tops pegged on their individual hooks. Thanks to Gareththedefencecoach for setting this up. (Honestly he does have a big heart.)

Frankiepitchsideconsultant then took the squad through the warm up where it was broken down into 3 activities.

The first worked on the tackle by getting low and targeting the green zone.
Next involved working on post tackle, squeezed and drop.
The 3rd activity put the first 2 activities into practice by tackling a fellow player.
For all 3 activities the players were to get back onside, into that feared Mackie wall.

Finally they had a game of touch to warm up the hands and started to get those running support lines flowing.

Once the captain's run had finished the squad were back into home changing room where training tops were off, quick drink to think, Mackie Rugby tops on, team huddle and the Mackie chant rang out loud and clear.

The squad strutted out onto the pitch, past all those proud parents, guardians and pitchside supporters. The starting 8 took up their positions ready to play with the 4 super subs watching from "the bench" at the half way line.

Game coach checked with each captain that both teams were ready and it was "time on" and the whisle blew.

It was end to end stuff with plenty of straight running, line breaks, passing, popping, presenting, rucking, scrums and kicking which kept the ball alive for a high octane 1st half.

Both Garioch and Mackie showed they could get the ball back in defence and beat the defences in attack.
Players were getting back into the game, being the threat, went forward (sideiways too!) tackled low in the green zones and counter rucked, with Mackie perhaps showing just how to win the race, win the ruck and how to fiercely compete in the rucks.
Both teams also found the space, stressed defenders, kept their continuity, had plenty of rugby speed and again with Mackie perhaps showing a little more connection once they had broken through Garoich's defensive lines.

Half time whistle and it was time for Dustythefitnesspainmaster (he is all gooeing on the inside really) to hand out those orange slices, drink to think, big breaths in to put oxygen back into those tired muscles and chat about what went well and what the work on for the 2nd half would. Andywackysocks2 was uber impressed of the work rate of players to get back on their feet, back into the Mackie wall and back onside.
Frankiepitchsideconsultant didn't need to remind them about the FUNdamentals as they were all enjoying themselves on the pitch.

The 2nd half was an eat, sleep, repeat of the 1st half albeit at a slightly slower pace as both teams were tiring or was it that the coaches could not keep up with the high intensity?
With final whistle blown both teams formed a tunnel a clapped each other in recognition of everyone's contribution to what had proved a truely awesome "test match" for both teams.

Final score
Mackie 13 : 8 Garioch

Everyone quickly moved over the the practice area for rugby rounders with an extra twist of hot chillies to increase in FUNdamentals of what mini rugby is all about.

To finish both teams were taken into the clubhouse for hotdogs, juice and cakes. Bonus as the youth section were playing at home so the players were able to watch they might be doing when it is their turn in future years.

Thanks to our guests for providing what was a truly exciting game for both teams, to parents and guardians for getting the players to the clubhouse and being the 9th player in the spectator seats.

Special shout out to Flo for getting the catering for both teams, to Anna, Angela, Michelle and Roisin for doing the catering as it all helped to contribute to that " happy noise" that was buzzing around the clubhouse after the game.

Remember to ask your rugby brain what is the one thing I need to stop doing and the one thing I need to start doing to improve my rugby skills?

"You work hard to make the player next to you look good. This is our team"

ONSIDEtastic Peeps!

Frankiepitchsideconsultant
Gareththedefencecoach
Dustythefitnesspainmaster
Andywackysocks2