Jack Dargie unprompted took control and started the warmup and activation session this morning while the coaches met with the ref and chased the stragglers out the changing room.  This initiative and leadership earned him the right to captain the U14 boys at Kellands Park today as they faced Garioch.   It has been several weeks since the last league match,  in that time the boys have been working hard in training both on fitness and skills, regularly training three times a week and it was visible on the field today.
 
Mackie got off to a good start. Getting the ball down the line and out to Brax MacAskill.  He showed his speed down the left wing to burst past the defence and was not to be caught scoring the opening try.  Garioch came straight back and within 5 mins the score was even.   Mackie had started with intensity, and they were up for the fight.  Some well worked handling skills got the ball out to the right wing this time, and Stephan Moir was able to run from the halfway line to cross the try line and score under the posts.  Garioch composed themselves and came back strong.  They equalised and ramped up their intensity.  The remainder of the first half was a display of some great rugby.  Garioch crossed their try line a few more times to start to take a convincing lead, but the Mackie boys showed grit and put up formidable opposition making them work for it.  Hughie Russell demonstrated throughout the game his dominant tackle technique and Calvin Sadio despite a few knocks recovered strongly to show how to play with passion, determination, and controlled aggression.

The second half started as the first ended.  The Garioch lads continued to use their superior size to dominate the break down and disrupt the Mackie defence, but as time passed they did start to tire.  The Mackie boys noticed and with some positive words from the Calvin (pack leader) and the coaches the Mackie boys stepped up their intensity and took the game to the tiring Garioch lads.  A spirited run from Calvin got the boys well up the pitch.  A couple more phases and Stefan crossed the line to score his second try of the match.  With a determination to finish the game on a high the Mackie lads kept going.  When Garioch turned the ball over close to their own try line it felt like a missed opportunity, but James Wardell read the situation well to intercept a pass and score under the posts.  It was just rewards for James who had an excellent match.  Working hard on and off the ball putting in some strong tackles and scored 4 from 4 conversions (earning him Garioch's choice for player of the match).
 
A few other special mentions.  Rory Coull had to come off with a sore shoulder from a strong tackle attempt.  Dylan Main for his Duhan van de Merwe-esk run, Douglas Robertson for his tackle prowess, work ethic and rugby brain.  Jack for his strong leadership skills as Captain.
 
The referee remarked on the boys quality and sportsmanship.  Well done for the team effort today, unfortunately we didn't get a win, but big improvements both individually and as a unit.

Mark Goalen, U14s Assistant Coach

Big thanks to the U14s Team Sponsor - McKnight Associates!