Scrum half Matthew Hillier use the wind to good effect constantly pushing play into the Wanderers half with well-placed box kicks.  Douglas Park’s debut at inside centre was phenomenal, and when Wanderers tried to move the ball wide they we consistently closed down by some excellent tackling.   Angus Wallace also tackled well around the fringes of the rucks, and in the conditions Wanderers struggled to break the gain line.  Forward pressure and good interlinking produced Deeside’s second try from Chris Ballantyne, this time Sam Morris making a good conversion from wide out 12:0.

The front row trio of Melvin McAskill, Angus Hart and Dan Sutton held the scrums solid, and in the second row Peter Lamont and Jordan McDonald provided the power needed to put pressure on the Wanderers scrum.  No.8 Mathew Gordan picked up well from the base of the scrum, and soon the Deeside pack were putting pressure close to the Wanderers try line again.  Scrum half Mathew Hillier dummied the wide pass and sniped past the Wanderers guards at the ruck to score Deeside’s third try again converted by fly-half Sam Morris.

Play restarted and almost immediately Deeside were again in control and attacking, with a well worked overlap putting    winger Connor McWilliam over in the corner 24:0.  With play restarted again Wanderers rallied and with good phase play eventually crossed the Deeside line just before half time 24:5.

In the second half Deeside found themselves more on the back foot.   The kicking game was much harder for Deeside against the strong wind, but it was a let off for Deeside that Wanderers failed to use it to full effect for their own advantage.   Deeside tackling was crucial with Tswai  Mweemba and Connor Bull tackling well on the wings and when Wanderers did try to use the wind, full back Liam Hutcheon was always well positioned to receive the ball and counter attack.

Wanderers upped the pressure and crossed the Deeside line twice, only to be held up, but the third time the score was good and the margin reduced to 24:10.  With half the Deeside team having played through to the semi -finals of the Lathallan 7’s on the day before, and a smaller than normal Deeside squad,  legs were clearly beginning to tire but Deeside managed to contain Wanderers  for the remaining 10 minutes, even coming close to another break away try.  Despite the difficult conditions this was a good game to watch with some good rugby played by two good sides.

Deeside: Melvin McAskill, Angus Hart, Dan Sutton, Peter Lamont, Jordan McDonald, Chris Ballantyne, Matthew Gordan, Angus Wallace, Matthew Hillier, Sam Morris, Tom Christie, Douglas Park, Tswai Mweemba, Conor McWilliam, Laim Hutcheon, Connor Bull.

Deeside U18′s vs Wanderers – (28/04/13)

1234►

A similar performance this week would simply gift the game to an on form Gordonstoun but Deeside’s focused warm up suggested they had different ideas altogether.
For the first 15 minutes Deeside dominated play, the forwards rucked well, the backs tried options and the linkage between forwards and backs was levels above that of Deeside’s previous game. Gordounstoun’s defence held however and with twenty minutes played they began to make more and more incursions into the Deeside half eventually breaking the deadlock with a long range penalty 0-3.

Deeside’s lineouts also showed a big improvement and Gordonstoun were unable to set up the driving maul platform that they used so effective the last time these two teams met. Gordonstoun changed tactics and began to use a pick and drive game more effectively in an attempt to suck in more of the Deeside defence. The tactic worked and the first try of the game came from a series of connected plays taking Gordonstoun close enough to the line for their forwards to drive over from close range, the try was easily converted 0-10. Undeterred Deeside’s response was almost immediate, they moved the game back into Gordonstoun territory and were unlucky on several occasions not the break defence, a single pass not going to hand or a knock on at the crucial point just foiling the continuity of building their attack.

Nonetheless pressure usual does result in points and with a series of quickly taken tap penalties by scum half Matthew Hillier constantly putting Gordonstoun on the back foot, Deeside set up a ruck less than a metre from the Gordonstoun line. Several previous penatlties against Gordonstoun were for repeatedly being offside at the ruck and as Gordonstoun committed the same offence again only one metre out, referee Roy Greig had no hesitation in awarding a penalty try to Deeside as flanker Joe Birdsey driving for the line was tackled illegal by an offside Gordonstoun player once again. Struan Gordon added the conversion and the ref’s whistle went for half time 7-10.

The second half was again a very tight game and like the first there was no score for the first twenty minutes. Also like the first the deadlock was broken with a penalty but this time it was Deeside’s Struan Gordon taking the points to level the score at 10-10 . Unfortunately for Deeside they soon conceded a penalty within range for Gordonstoun who kicked successfully again to re-take a narrow 10-13 lead.

Deeside rallied and with only minutes on the clock could have scored the winner in the dyeing moments of the game when a series of penalties put them within metres of the line. From only five metres out a structured tap to the forwards might have worked a try, but with a quickly taken tap the ball was spilled from a tackle , and despite the Gordonstoun tacklers not being on or behind their try line the referee judged the first offence to be lost forward and blew for full time. Although it was disappointing for the players not to win this very close game, this was an excellent performance all round from Deeside, and a huge improvement over last week’s win against Mackie. In the last two games Deeside have fielded squads of 22 and 21 players, a big improvement on previous games and this is also undoubtedly a factor that will be key in the second part of the season, with success in the Caley Cup a very realistic prospect this season. Deeside’s next game will be away to Aberdeen Grammar on the 26th January.

Deeside: Liam Hutcheon, Connor Bull, Matthew Gordon, Peter Lamont, Andrew Mullins, Douglas Park, John Crilly, Alexander Taylor, Struan Gordon, Matthew Hillier, Rafe Welsh, Andrew Hardman, Tswai Mweemba, Joe Birdsey, George Watt, Thomas Christie, Angus Hart, Melvin McAskill, John McGowan, Chris Ballantyne, Jordan McDonald.

1234...8910►

Although Deeside were playing into a variable wind good tactical kicking from fly half Struan Gordon kept the game mostly in the Moray half.  Deeside were also more adept at moving the ball quickly into space and after threating to break several times , winger Chris Long eventually got around the outside of the Moray defence and in for the second score with just 18 minutes on the clock. Throughout the game the forwards rucking was impressive with clean ball presentation in attack, and minimal numbers committed in defence, with Peter Lamont, Andrew Mullins, Connor Bull and John McGowan especially notable for their work rate and Chris Ballantyne seeming to be involved everywhere, despite the fact that he had been shifted from back row to front row.

Neither of the first half tries was converted and the two sides swapped ends at half time with Deeside leading narrowly 10-0.  One substitution at half time saw Jordan McDonald moved into the front row and Chris Ballantyne restored to his usual back row position. Now playing with the breeze in their favour Deeside began to move the ball more quickly along the back line and the next break came from a line break from centre George Watt, whose form has been improving with every game, 15-0.  Moray, however, seemed determined not to let the game slip away from them and for a period of about 15 minutes they played their best rugby, eventually breaking through Deeside’s defence to score under the posts; this took the score back to a competitive 15-7.

Deeside’s first reaction was to start forcing the game and as a result they were unable to string more than one phase of play together.  Eventually under the leadership of Captain Tom Christie they steadied their game and realised they simply needed to retain possession and build phases to take control.  As they eventually regained composure three tries followed in quick succession, the first another for centre George Watt, the second from Tom Christie and the third from Chris Ballantyne, who was without doubt man of the match.  The final score of 36-7 reflected a convincing performance, and above all the team spirit that pervaded this game will make Deeside a difficult prospect for any team that has less of this most special ingredient.

Deeside: Liam Hutcheon, Chris Long, George Watt, John Crilly, John McGowan, Struan Gordon, Sam Morris, Jordan McDonald, Angus Hart, Peter Lamont , Alex Taylor, Andrew Mullins, Tom Christie, Chris Ballantyne, Connor Bull, Rafe Welsh, Andrew Hardman.

‘Chris Ballantyne drives through Moray defense’

First half carried on the same with Kinloss taking every inch and creating yards. Deeside seem to give the opposition too much respect and lacked confidence. Kinloss were well drilled but the Deeside team could still give them a run for their money. Certain aspects and some of the Deeside game showed throughout the game, lineouts were good, attacking runs were good, and scrums seem to be going well.

Lack of numbers at training showed the gaps in Deeside’s armour and with a team like Kinloss they will exploit gaps all day long. Deeside did however make some inroads and at times seem to be getting back in the game. Again small mistakes were punished severely by Kinloss.

Deeside need to go into games with a bit more confidence 1 loss out of 5 is not the end of the world but it should be the wakeup call we need to get back on track and stamp our mark on this league.

Deeside travel to Aberdeenshire 3^rd XV this Saturday, kick off 3pm.

Final score: Deeside RFC 15 – Kinloss RFC 51

Man of the Match: Guy Finlayson

Try scorers: Louis Middleton, Tom Fuches , Bob Green

12►

Gordonians never let up and were constantly counter attacking but the Deeside men held strong and made tackles that counted. This was by far the toughest test the Deeside team having faced so far this season and certainly not the last. A good run from the forwards late in the 2nd half gained a lot of opponent ground and Alex Peace made a strong run to go over the whitewash for try number 2 We want to be top of the league and continue our unbeaten run as far as possible (with this team unbeaten for the season is definitely achievable) but hard work lies ahead and there is no room for complacency, there is still some very tough games ahead.

Final score: Deeside RFC 16 – Gordonians 2ndXV 0

Man of the Match: Bruce Cooper

Try scorers: Louis Middleton, Alex Peace

Penalty: Tom Fuches x 2

123456►

This weekend Deeside 1st XV is home to Kinloss Eagles.
Have a look at our website for upcoming fixtures http://www.deeside-rfc.co.uk

Rafe Welsh, Douglas Park, John McGowan, Chris Long, George Watt, John Crilly, Tswai Mweemba, Struan Gordon, Sam Morris, Melvin McAskill, Angus Hart, Jordan McDonald, Peter Lamont, Alex Taylor, Malcolm Diack, Matthew Gordon, Chris Ballantyne, , Tom Christie, Connor Bull.

First half was very much Deeside forgetting their strengths and bringing their game down a level. First half wasn’t all bad news however and at times some excellent support play from the forwards and good supporting runs from the backs. If they had just stringed this together more often a few more tries would definitely have been on the cards. First half ended 24-0 in Deeside’s favour.

As coach the first half was bitter sweet, bitter because I know we can play so much better and sweet because we were still 24 points up and there were definite good points.

2^nd half kicked off and the Deeside team (that will challenge for the league title this year!) seemed to be back with some solid phase play and good attacking runs. The team were supporting each other at the breakdown and setting up really good attacking rugby. Scrum was a little off at times but only marginal, it’s good to see a Deeside team with depth in players. A further 5 tries followed in the 2^nd half with great runs and good clean offloads. Unfortunately the Garioch Captain was injured at the bottom of a ruck and we wish him a safe and speedy recovery, with 5 minutes to go it was agreed to call it a day and allow him to get treatment.

Final score: Deeside RFC 51-Garioch 2ndXV 0

Man of the Match: Robert Green

Try scorers: Harvey McCauley x 2, Calm Wilson x 3,Nick Hammond, Tobias Cochrane dyet,Tom Fuches ,Ed Robb Conversions :Mark Mackenzie x 3

This weekend Deeside 1^st XV travels to Gordonians 2^nd XV

There was a further 20minute spell were Peterhead showed guts and tried to move the forward ball from rucks, Deeside’s defence held firm and soon they had a lineout in opponents 22 which they capitalised on and Guy Finlayson crossed the white wash, just before half time Tom Fuches kicked a penalty to make it 18-0. Although they scored in the first 5 minutes it seemed Deeside where not playing their game but getting sucked into their opponent’s style of play, which seems to happen too often.

Second half brought a bit more gusto from the Deeside team and Peterhead seemed to step up the game. A very close call on the line was well defended and try averted by skipper Dale Alsop, with help from a well formed pack ready for any advance on the Deeside line. Tom Fuches got his 2nd of the game breaking their line to run in a good try.Then Calum Wilson seemed to get a spring in his step and decided his opening try was not enough and he added a further 4 tries to his days tally of 5, his pace left anyone in his dust.

Not to be out done Harvey Macaulay raced over with an excellent run to put his name on the board. Some good running play followed and Blair Ward crossed over to finish the game Deeside RFC 1ST XV 63- Peterhead RFC 0. Tom Fuches converted 4.
Deeside need to continue the winning run but will need to focus on playing their game, when they do this no one in their league will stop them.

The next game is 6 Oct with an away game to Garioch 2XV

For the remainder of the first half Deeside spend most time defending, with only rare incursions into the Highland half.  For the most part defence was solid, but in the face of relentless Highland pressure and good use of the wind, Deeside concede two further tries one converted 17:0.  Typical of the Highland weather, the wind dropped in the second half, and the toll of some minor injuries and changes put Deeside on the back foot again.  This so easily could have been a turning point in this game but Deeside failed to t take control.

Time and again they found themselves defending with little quality first or second phase ball to work off and Highland with more possession and good support lines crossed the Deeside line twice more.  As the wind picked up again in the final ten minutes, Deeside at last had some territory and possession.  Eventually a quickly taken tap penalty by scrum half Matthew Hillier was finished by wing Tswai Mweemba and despite the distance out, and the breeze, converted by stand-off Struan Gordon 27:7.

Deeside finished stronger and played their best rugby in the last ten minutes crossing the Highland line once more, but judged held up, but it was too little too late.   In many games a little luck and small margins can make all the difference and a head rather than a tails at the start of this one might have resulted in a very different outcome; the return fixture will certainly be one to watch.  Thanks also to Highland for their excellent hospitality.  Next week the U18’s are away once more to Gordonstoun.

Rafe Welsh, Douglas Park, George Watt, John Crilly, Tswai Mweemba, Struan Gordon, Matthew Hillier,  Melvin McAskill, Angus Hart (Captain), Jordan McDonald, Alex Taylor, Andrew Mullins, Malcolm Dyack, Matthew Gordon, Chris Ballantyne, Andrew Hardman, Tom Christie, Connor Bull.

1234►

A second try followed when Ellon’s attempted clearance kick was charged down and Chris Ballentyne recovered the ball and crashed over. Struan Gordon added the conversion. Throughout the first half, much of the play was in the Ellon half, with quickly recycled ball kicked deep or spread wide for wings Douglas Park and Chris Long to stretch the defence.

Ellon had their chances too and finally scored with a try wide out late in the half. Deeside responded in the best fashion, taking play deep into the Ellon 22 where skipper Tom Christie saw half a gap and squeezed over for the try. Again, Struan Gordon added the conversion.

In the second half, Ellon’s large pack dominated possession but were met with a resolute defence, with one tackle from No.8 Matthew Gordon drawing a gasp from the crowd. In such a well balanced and keenly fought contest, it is a pity Ellon indulged in some off the ball intimidation, contrary to the spirit of the game. However, Deeside merely steped up their efforts. Twice Ellon crossed the Deeside try line, but the ball was held up and the danger passed.

A number of injuries disrupted the Deeside team, but all stood up to the challenge. Eventually, Ellon did score a converted try to bring them 7 points short of the Deeside total. Ellon stepped up the pressure and as time ran out they claimed their third try. The Deeside defence had kept the attack out wide and the conversion proved to be too difficult, leaving a 2 point margin which was protected for the remaining couple of minutes.

Deeside from: M. McAskil, A. Hart, J. McDonald, A. Taylor, A. Mullins, T. Christie, C. Ballentyne, M. Gordon, M. Hillier, S. Gordon, c. Long, J. Crilly, G. Watt, D. Park, R.Welsh, A. Hardman, J. McGowan, T. Mweemba, M. Dyack, P. Lamont.

Ellon v Deeside – 23/09/2012

12345►