Second defeat of the season for Moray Rugby Club - but leaders Aberdeenshire also lose

Moray succumbed to a second Caledonia League Division 1 loss of the season last Saturday when they were beaten by 40 points to 21 by a fired-up Ellon team.

Ellon started brightly and in the third minute put the first points on the board when a couple of aggressive drives took them over the line for an unconverted try and 5-0 lead.

The Elgin tried to respond and although they created a couple of good opportunities, the home defence snuffed out the chances.

In the 20th minute, Ellon scored a second converted try after some hard running from a penalty 5 metres out. From the restart, a strong run by a home second-row saw him stopped just short of the line but a couple of phases later another converted try was scored for 19-0.

Five minutes later, Ellon opened the ball from inside their own half and made the space to progress up field before returning the ball inside to score another converted try for 26-0.

Moray well shell shocked but in the 34th minute, they responded. They progressed to a penalty, 5 metres out. The ball was tapped, run and set before being moved wide to centre Connor McWilliam to barge his way over for a try, converted by full-back Rory Millar for 26-7.

The visitors tried to respond further but in the final play of the half, they leaked another converted try for a half-time score of 33-7.

Moray started the second-half with intent and spent most of the next twenty-five minutes in the opposition half. The home side were quick up in defence, were strong in the tackle and gave no quarter.

In the 70th minute, a kick through by the home side was fielded and run back. The ball was moved through hands to wing Ewan Simpson to score out wide. Millar landed the difficult kick for 33-14.

Eight minutes later and in one of their few forays into the 22 in the second half, Ellon scored their final converted try of the afternoon after. A knock-on close by the line allowed turn over for the try and 40-14.

In the final play of the game, Moray put together some good driving and ball retention play in the opposition half. The ball was then moved through hands and prop John Westmacott received ball out wide to score. Millar landed the difficult kick for a final score of 40-21.

Ellon thoroughly deserved their victory with a solid all-round display. They were strong in the scrum, run hard with ball in hand and when Moray had the upper hand and pressed, their defence was quickly up in the faces and very solid.

Moray are at home this Saturday and play Aberdeenshire. The Aberdeen team lost in Caithness last Saturday but still have a four-point lead over the Elgin side, who have a game in hand. This will be another difficult and close fixture with the result so important for both sides. Kick-off is 2pm.