A damp cold morning at Redcloak and a must win fixture to stay in the competition as we entered the knock out stages of the Culblean cup. The boys had been well briefed they knew what was at stake as they took to the field. Things did not start as we would have liked. Nerves getting the better of the boys, the handling was shaky, and a few missed tackles. Garioch were first to score. The boys knew to stick to the game plan, but it was a tough watch from the side lines as Garioch scored a second, and then a third try. Mackie had not yet played to their full potential, they had a few missed opportunities, but late in the first third Murray McLauglin (No.8) crossed the line to get some needed points on the board. End of the first third Mackie 5 v Garioch 15.

The second third got underway, the boys looked a little more confident, but Garioch were first to score. This was finally the motivation the boys needed, they upped their game and started to play, immediately looking more threatening. Sandy Broadley (No.10) saw an opportunity and went for it scoring an impressive dive over try under the posts. James Wardell (No.12) making the conversion getting the critical extra 2 points. The sides looking more even now. Good defensive work from both sides meaning both teams were working hard. Then Dylan Main (No.3) showing his pace burst out of a break down and charged down the left wing to score in the corner. James was able to convert the try and at the end of the second third, Mackie were right back in it. Mackie 19 v Garioch 20.

Final third all to play for. Mackie confidence was continuing to grow. Hughie Russell (No.13) made a break and showed his speed to outpace the chasing defenders as he ran from the halfway line to score under the posts in his first game for Mackie. Garioch were not for giving up though, they came back to score another try meaning there was still just one point in it with ten minutes still to play. Mackie had a hunger for the win, and Murray spotting an opportunity got a perfectly executed interception and could not be stopped scoring under the posts. It felt like momentum was in Mackie’s favour. It was not long before Murray was able to score again to complete his hat trick. Garioch came back at them one final time, a kick and chase both attack and defence chasing it down, Thomas Brainwood (No.14) did well to get back, both teams dived for the ball before it went dead, Garioch just getting to it and the try was given. Dying moments of the game, Murray was looking threatening again, but some lovely supporting play from Calvin Sadio (No.1) meant he was there when it mattered with still plenty to do he was able to crash over for the last try of the day. Final score Mackie 45 v Garioch 30.

Lots of positives to take from the day, once warmed up the boys were working hard in defence, and able to play some nice rugby. Special mention to James Wardell who was able to kick 5 from 7 conversions (in blustery conditions), really making the difference in the final score. Also, Murray who for me is very deserved winner of man of the match. Everyone worked hard today on and off the ball. Looking forward to the quarter finals in two weeks’ time.

Mark Goalen, U13s Lead Coach