Moray defeated Ellon 39-7 at Morriston on Saturday and cannot be caught at the top of Caledonia League Division 1 North Conference.

This was always going to be a tough fixture after a defeat in Ellon in December and the Aberdeenshire team started the game with the same intent.

Picture gallery from the match (below. All photos by John MacGregor.

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Moray defence gave no quarters early doors and in the tenth minute, they took a 3-0 lead through a full-back Rory Millar penalty.

In the 28th minute, following a period of ‘to-ing and fro-ing’ in midfield, the Elgin side extended their lead.

An initial drive by the forwards was moved quickly right and then returned left through hands to centre Ben Taylor who broke a couple of tackles to run in the score out wide. Millar landed the kick for 10-0 which became the half-time score.

Moray started the second half strongly and only a good last ditch tackle saved Ellon leaking a second try.

The home side continued to boss and in the 54th added a second try.

Following a number of driving and popping phases in the 22, the ball was moved wide to wing Lewis Hay who managed to squeeze in at the corner for an unconverted try and 15-0 lead.

From the restart, Moray ran the ball back and were handed a penalty for hands in the ruck, five metres out. A quick tap was taken and a long pass picked out wing-forward David Clarke who ran in the try under the posts. Millar added the extras for 22-0.

Ellon were finding it difficult to get out of their half and three minutes later leaked another penalty which Millar landed for 25-0.

In the 63rd minute, the fourth and bonus point try was scored. The Aberdeenshire side secured a line-out in their 22 but a pass on the exit was misdirected and hooker Marc Higgins was first to react, picking up the ball and crashing over for the score. Millar added the conversion for 32-0.

In the 67th minute, following a passage of driving play in the 22, Ellon got themselves on the board with a converted try for 32-7.

Moray scored the final try of the afternoon in the 74th minute when after a number of phases in the visitor’s half, wing Lewis Scott received the ball, broke a couple of tackles and made the line. Millar added the extras for a final score of 39-7.

It was another good all round display by the Moray side. Ellon are a big physical side but the home defence was excellent all afternoon. The second half performance was particularly impressive and the visitors could not contain a strong attacking display. The win means that Moray cannot be caught at the top of the North Conference.

Moray, weather permitting, complete their fixtures in the Conference part of the league this Saturday when they make the trip to Thurso to play Caithness.