Two evenly matched teams went head-to-head in the glorious sunshine at Aberdeen Grammar playing fields. Mackie started well James Wardell scoring the first try and getting the conversion. Grammar responded scoring the next try, but unable to convert Mackie kept a two point lead. Grammar then scored again this time making the conversion and temporarily taking the lead by 5 points. Not for long, Mackie played the ball wide out to the left wing where Brody Earley outpaced the field to run in a try from deep within his own half. James Wardell was able to convert the second try giving Mackie a two-point lead. Mackie kept the pressure on, this time it was Sandy Broadley playing full back showing his pace to run again from deep in his own half down the left wing and round to score beneath the posts. Taking his time to put the ball down, he gave the Mackie supporters a nervous moment as a Grammar player applied some last minute pressure. Mackie leading at the end of the first third.

The second third got underway and was similar in style to the first. Lots of good rugby being played. A combination of taking the ball into the tackle, and spreading the ball wide, both teams tackling well and managing the break down allowing for phase after phase of exciting rugby. Mackie did well to hold Grammar 2m of their try line for 5mins of the third before finally Grammar scored from a tap and go penalty. Mackie once again responded this time putting the pressure on Grammar who spilled the ball, Griff Goalen kicked it, a Grammar defender tried to dive on it, but it bounced high, straight into Griff’s hands who ran in the try beneath the posts. Grammar scored again just before the end of the second third.

All to play for going into the final 15mins. The Mackie boys dug deep, they were enjoying themselves, they did not give Grammar any room and scored two further tries. First from Murray McLaughlin who ran through multiple defenders to score. The final try of the day was the 2nd one for Brody Earley again running from his own half to score down the left wing. Final score Grammar 24 v Mackie 40.

It was a joy to watch the boys, who arrived awake and switched on who played with intensity from the start. They managed the ball well in the break down and they all tackled and did their bit to make this a real team effort. There was also visible signs of the hard work on the training grounds beginning to pay off which was somewhat re-assuring for the coaching team. Both the Grammar coaches and the referee commented on how well the boys played. A special mention to James Wardell who kicked 5 from 6 conversions. Also Henry Aitken who was awarded man of the match for his work rate and tackling prowess.

Mark Goalen, U13s Lead Coach