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News Article |
| ELLON 7S - MORAY S1/2 REPORT - 26/4/14 |
| Mon 28th Apr 2014 |
Moray’s S1/2 made the journey to Ellon RFC, to take part in their first 7s event. The calibre of the other clubs was very strong, although the view across the pitch was obscured intermittently by fog!
Initially, Moray was in a pool group alongside Ross Sutherland, Ellon and Mackie. The recent form of the XV side suggested that this squad of 12 had potential to qualify from the group, but 7s is a very different game.
 Their opening game was against the side from Invergordon. Recent form suggested that it would be a close match, and so it turned out. Each side managing to score a try a piece in the first five minute half, with Moray’s coming from our departing outside centre, Josh Chapman.
The only negative was an injury to fullback Ryan Robertshaw, who has been a talisman in recent weeks, sustained a cut to his lip, which required 5 stitches and ending very early his participation in the event.
In the second half Ross Sutherland took the lead and forced Moray to chase the game. Thanks to a strong run by scrum half George Hurst, which was taken on by full back, Daniel Cotton who managed to secure a draw, 6-6.
With no conversions in these ten minute matches, scoring truly reflected try scoring ability.
Next up for the red and white stripes, were the hosts. Moray were now in their stride and scored freely in the first half, with Hurst scoring from a scrum on the Ellon five metre, Rory Millar scoring from a ‘throwback to Millar’s previous winger’s role’, with a strong run down the right wing, and Captain Gregor Alexander running half the length of the pitch, also down the left hand side.
At 9-0 down at the interval, the job seemed difficult for Ellon and was made worse by a further try by Murdo Cameron. The home team managed a consolation try, but Moray won 12-3.
With a win under their belt, and calculators coming out to work out how many tries Moray required to finished top of their group, Moray faced Mackie. This had been expected to be a challenge, but Mackie underperformed, and Moray was dominant. In the first half, scores from; new boy Duncan Hornsby, Cameron and Hurst, helped confidence rise.
 This was followed in the second half, with further points coming from; Alexander, Hurst, Hooker Ronan Walker and Chapman, so ending in a score of 21-0. Unfortunately this was one try short of achieving top spot in the pool, with Ross Sutherland scoring more tries.
So 2nd played 1st from the other pool, topped by Stirling. This was a bridge too far for Moray, as the talented and obviously experienced Stirling side scored three tries in the first half, with only a move, which began on Moray’s 10 metre, being completed by Hornsby, providing Moray with any points. A tiring Moray were exploited by Stirling in the second period, with the score ending 3-21.
This allowed a renewal of the contest with Ross Sutherland, who had been defeated in a similar manner by Currie, in the other semi final, leading to a 3rd place play off match. Ross Sutherland, having had slightly longer recovery time took an early lead, which was 3-9 by half time, with only a half field run by Chapman giving Moray any points.
 But in a final push, Moray did not give up. Good handling and interchange between Walker and Hornsby led to Hurst scoring a try which gave Moray hope. This was further enhanced by Ewan Ball scoring an equaliser. Hopes were raised of some medals, but this was dashed by a late try from Ross Sutherland, and despite a final effort Moray were done, losing 9-12.
 This event had been a great first time run out in 7s for the Moray S1/2s with a 4th place a good reflection on their overall effort and developing skill in this different form of the game. The squad was competitive against virtually all their opponents, despite picking up a number of injuries!
The S1/2s return to 15 a side competition next weekend, ironically back at Ellon!
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Caledonia 2 North |
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| Aberdeenshire |
12 |
46 |
| Highland 2nd XV |
11 |
46 |
| Moray |
12 |
40 |
| Ross Sutherland |
10 |
22 |
| Banff |
12 |
19 |
| Mackie |
10 |
10 |
| Aberdeen Grammar 2nd XV |
9 |
1 |
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Last 1st XV Game |
| 1st XV Season (2021/22) |
| Banff 33 - 39 Moray |
| 5th Mar 22 - KO: 15:00 |
| Venue: Duff House |
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