Today was not about any GASPS nor LEARN opportunities but just a demonstration of individual and squad SCOTS skills and behaviours.

There were 30 tries scored and 10 conceded in 4 x 15 minute games on a dry, hot and sunny day at the Meadows Sports Centre, the home of Ellon RFC.

Players arrived ready to play but suncream was lathered on, water bottles fully loaded and snacks checked and stowed away for later use.

The squad were tasked with a toilet tig warm up where Andywackysocks2 added extra spice by introducing extra rugby balls into the grid.

Meanwhile Frankiepitchsideconsultant sorted out a rugby 7s activity to get those quick hands moving the rugby ball into space but players were then having to turn an burn, offside to onside by taking 3 back.

Gareththedefencecoach the arrived and everyone knew he had brought his game face and rugby brain with him as the squad were straight into a rucking activity where they had to get toes, heels, head and hands into the correct positions, followed by win the race and win the ruck and then followed by win that shoulder battle and get the rugby ball back.

Short 'drink to think' break and it was then time to get the attacker to the ground, get back on their feet and get that rugby ball back.

Take a knee was followed by a prep chat to get the players primed and pumped for their first pool match. They identified the work-ons for the day were stop bunching (famous Mackie wall), tackle in the green zone and get back onside.

The starting 8 were selected and the 3 bomb squad specialists joined the coaches on the touchlines for the Aberdeen Wanderers v Mackie pool game. Within minutes it was clear to see Mackie had joined up their physical, brain and rugby skills as they contested possession at every breakdown, went forward in attack and defence, supported each other and phase after phase kept their continuity. All these skills allowed them to score at will. After 5 minutes the bomb squad were despatched and Mackie maintained it relentlessly attack and ferocious defence.

The tournament format was 7.5 minutes each way with a 2 minute half time chat. This meant time was highly valued so players drank whilst they listened to the feedback.

The sun was now slightly higher in the morning sky but Mackie just kept on applying their SCOTS skills. The super subs went back on for the final 2.5 minutes and the game ended Aberdeen Wanderers 1 : 9 Mackie.

The squad had a short time to decompress however before they knew it both Frankiepitchsideconsultant and Gareththedefencecoach had them primed and pumped as the next 2 games were going to be back to back.

Ellon put up a good fight to beat Mackie's defences however it was "stay calm and carry on rugby" from Mackie as they showed everyone how Creative they could be. The final whistle blew and the score was Mackie 11 : 4 Ellon.

By this time there were a lot of red, smiling faces who were now Optimistic for their final pool game against Pelicans. Mackie were beginning to show signs of tiredness however after some on the pitch analysis they released they were bunching and self-organised the feared Mackie wall. Pelicans found it hard stay connected and stress the Mackie defenders whilst they were in attack.
As with the previous games the bomb squad were despatched and the super subs came on to see the game out. Final score Pelicans 4 : 9 Mackie.

With the pool games complete the squad had time to decompress or have a muck about or drink to think or eat for energy boost whilst the play off games were completed.

Perhaps it was too much down time from the last pool game or the heat from the midday sun or the high octane, enegry sapping pool games or a combination of all the above as the squad seemed to have switched off their physical and brain skills and were a few tries down with the first 5 minutes of the tournament final.

For some their heads went down but for others they never gave up, ran harder, faster and straighter, tackled more dominantly and counter rucked with increased vengence. Final score Garioch 6 : 1 Mackie.

Although they did not lift the silverware they showed their integrity by staying till the end and applauded their victors.

They held their heads high and their hearts were full of pride and rightly so as coaches and parents from the opposition teams said to Frankiepitchsideconsultant (whose face still has the biggest smile) and Gareththedefencecoach (who said he had a bit sand in his eyes) that Mackie had shown great attractive rugby, totally blew us away and the best rugby they had seen.

Thanks to parents for getting the players there, dressed to play and being the 9th player on the touchlines.

Also thanks to our hosts for giving the squad the the opportunity to show everyone just how good their SCOTS skills and behaviours are.

Well played and utterly spent. The opposition now know Mackie have not forgotten how to stay connected, find the best spaces, stress defenders, maintain great rugby speed, compete ferociously for the ball, get back into the game, be the threat and make those low tackles.

Remember to ask yourself what is the one thing I need to stop doing and one thing I need to start doing for next weekend's Mackie Tournament?

ProudTASTIC Peeps!

Frankiepitchsideconsultant
Andywackysocks2
Gareththedefencecoach