As always it was the Pelicans Festival that started off what is always a busy part of the current sesson.

The squad arrived with plenty of time to chillax and get the prematch shanagans out of the way.

Dustythefitnesspainmaster, Gareththedefencecoach and Andywackysocks2 got them warmed up with the usual activities but their rugby brains were still running on stand by! A short 3 minute blast from a Dustythefitnesspainmaster session of up, down, pressups, roll over and running in circles soon shorted things out and the squad settled into their rhythm and norm with rugby brains running at full wattage whilst they finished off their warm up activities!

Time was taken to take a knee and do the team chat. Intensity for Dustythefitnesspainmaster, be brave for Gareththedefencecoach, win the race, win the ruck for Frankiepitchsideconsultant and use your rugby brains for Andywackysocks2 were the short and simple messages. Then the infamous Mackarrooo rang out across the play areas and the squad were on for the 1st game.

The starting 10 took their positions and the KO whistle was blown. Mackie's attack got the ball to their carriers quickly, evasive footwork gave sweve and pace, offloads and quick rucks had intensity and Wanderers fought hard to win the ball back.
Mackie's defence created opportunities to counter ruck and jackal, players repeatedly got back on their feet and their quick speed off their lines made it challenging for Wanderers to score.
Both teams showed great SCOTS skills which encouraged teamwork and participation.
Scores were not offically recorded however we know that the P7 loyal fanbase were keeping count.

Mackie were the winners.

The squad had little time to turn around and whilst they were having their team talk they drank to think and breathed deeply to get oxygen back into those muscles that had been working hard.

Next up were Ellon who made the squad use all their physical, brain and rugby skills to scan, talk, get the ball back, increase their rugby speed to beat the opposition defences.

Mackie were the winners.

Another short turn around and they were out for their 3rd game against Pelicans. Mackie's attack found some spaces through the Pelican's defence but the squad's defence were finding it difficult to get the ball back as the tackles were creeping up into the red zone. A much more closely contested match.

Mackie were the winners.

After a team talk about discipline and sportsmanship the squad were told to away to decrompress and refuel ready for the next block of 3 games back to back.

Again Dustythefitnesspainmaster, Gareththedefencecoach and Andywackysocks2 got the squad warmed up and to show they had switched their rugby brains back on.

With strong supportive lines , hand offs and getting in position early Mackie's attack once again beat Grammar's defences and numerous players manged to put downward pressure on the rugby ball over the try line.
Again Mackie created strong opportunities to counterruck, realigned quickly and effectively manipulated the space to get the ball back in defence.

Mackie were the winners.

The squad were well and truly getting their Game sense and positive Attitude as it was an eat, sleep, repeat for their penultimate match against Deeside with final score

Mackie were the winners.

Both Mackie and Garioch had been playing hard, fast and enjoyable rugby so they both took extra time to refuel, rehydrate and breath deeply.

The squad were Optimistic they could be Creative to deal with how the opposition might contest the possession, go forwards, be consistent and apply pressure to either score against them or stop the squad from scoring.

Mackie were the winners.

Thanks to our host for providing an great opportunity for the players to participate, to enjoy themselves, to be supportive and to show discipline and respect through great sportsmanship.

Thanks too for parents getting the players to the event and being the positive 11th squad member from the touchlines.

Although there were no medals today, the coaching squad asked for smiles and that is what they got. (Way better than any trophies)

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?

IntensitybebravewintheraceTASTIC Peeps!

Dustythefitnesspainmaster
Gareththedefencecoach
Frankiepitchsideconsultant
Andywackysocks2