DEESIDE opened their home league campaign on Saturday with a well worked win over a strong Shetland side.
The game on The Green in Aboyne was played in conditions more suited to relaxing on the beach but the Deeside team coped well with the heat and showed good fitness to clinch a game that was in the balance at half-time.
The game kicked off at 12
noon to allow the islanders to catch the return ferry from Aberdeen and they came into this fixture confident after a very good second half in their last game against Banff.
Shetland quickly took control of the game after the kick-off and dominated possession for the first quarter.
They put the Deeside forwards under pressure in the scrum and ran the ball well through the backs.
It was to Deeside's credit that their defence only allowed one opposition score during this period when steady pressure eventually gave the Shetland backs space to score.
Deeside started to get back into the game as the half wore on and looked to have equalised when Ricci Davidson was sent clear, however he managed to knock the ball on and the chance was gone.
It was only a small lapse though as more pressure was rewarded when Louis Middleton broke through to score out wide.
The Deeside forwards were now beginning to get to grips with the opposition, supplying good clean possession from lineout and scrum – the backrow, with Bob Green all over the field, were also turning over Shetland ball.
Shetland were contributing equally to the entertaining game and scored again after Deeside had struggled to clear their lines.
Deeside hit back though as quick hands moved the ball right and Alan Monkman carved through the Shetland line at great pace to score under the posts. The conversion was kicked to give Deeside a 12-10 half-time lead.
At this stage the game was there for the winning by both sides and credit to Deeside for the way they outscored their opponents by five tries to one in the second half.
Tom Fuchs showed his familiar pace when latching onto a loose ball in his own half then streaking up the field to score a crucial try.
John Judt scored his first home senior try from penetrative back play to stretch the lead.
Further pressure saw Louis Middleton and Alan Monkman score their second tries before the Shetland flyhalf jinked over for a consolation score.
Deeside kept going to the end and a chip ahead caused confusion in the Shetland defence allowing John Judt to pounce and dive over beneath the sticks.
Deeside players of the day – Alan Monkman and John Judt. Next week sees Deeside travel to Groats Road for a match with Aberdeen Wanderers who were unbeaten last season in the league games but failed to get promotion in the playoffs. All support is welcome, kick-off 3pm. New (and old) players are always welcome at Deeside Rugby Club with training on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at the Milton, Crathes – see club website for details www.aboyne-rfc.co.uk
Deeside RFC v Shetland: J Mudie, N Scott, L Lawrie, R Alsop, D Alsop, L McKnight, B Green, B Mair, J Fyvie, E Robb, L Middleton, R Davidson, A Monkman, J Judt, E Milne, C Kirkman, N Fraser, S Dalgleish, T. Fuchs.
