It certainly was not April showers that are supposed to bring the May flowers but more of one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold, when it is summer in the light and winter in the shade for our home tournament.

Players from many different clubs arrived for a 0930 registration and 1030 start for the age range games. Pitches 1 and 2 were the location for the pool games of which the 1st placed teams from each would to play for 1st and 2nd places of the tournament in the final.

Mackie Reds were placed in the pool alongside Aberdeen Grammar, Aberdeen Wanderers, Deeside, Garoich, and McLearn rugby clubs. They started off the tournament coming slowly out of the blocks and earned a draw by the time of the final whistle. Next game the better, more organised side beat them. The 3rd game saw the Reds bounce back with a comfortable win as they were putting into practice what they had been learning throughout this season. Their penultimate game was a hard fought and well worked game against what was 1 of the teams who showed they had more strength and depth of rugby skills in their squad compared to the other teams in the pool. The Reds final game showed that they had what it took to deliver the Principles of Play they had been developing since the beginning of the season.

These results however placed them 3rd in the pool and so were not placed into the final.

Throughout the tournament it was evident to see pop passing from the deck and support play allowed them to go forward, stay connected and play rugby at speed. The safe tackling technique allowed them to apply pressure and have a fair contest for possession which prevented the opposition from scoring.

The games allowed everyone to see who was our very own tackle monster machine or defence line breaker or whirlwind winger or pop pass pilot or supporting superstar. Every individual showed their true worth which contributed to a flourishing squad that is beginning to do well.

After each game all squad members formed a line and shook hands with the opposition and game coaches. Great to see them showing rugby's core values.

As always ask your rugby brain what is the 1 thing I need to stop doing to improve my rugby skills and what is the 1 thing I need to start doing to improve my rugby skills?

Big thanks to all parents for getting the players the chance to get plenty of rest, sleep and get fuelled up before they arrived for the tournament. Also for getting them there on time, being pitch side supporters in the changeable weather and for staying back to help wrap up the event.

Also thanks to our own "professional photographer" for all the action shots of the day.

Lastly big thanks to everyone (parents, players, coaches, committee members, etc) who helped, no matter how big or small part you played, in organising our home tournament so that our young could got the chance to show to you all and our visitors just how much they have improved their skills since the beginning of the season and more importantly, how they have enjoyed their rugby.

TournamantTASTIC peeps!

Andywackysocks2