It was a top of the table clash in Round 2 at Stonehaven as both Mackie RFC and ARFC were confident following from two big wins last weekend. Mackie winning against Ellon RFC in an away game and ARFC winning against Caithness RFC.

The first 20 minutes of the game were some the most high intensity and physical rugby that has been played by the Shire men for a while. Mackie held the lions share of possession and territory which test the Shire defences. Holding strong having a tight defence proved the different in the first quarter, forcing Mackie into making errors which Shire capitilised on with early scores from Kenny Penman and Captain Paul Harrow. Both successfully converted by Andy Wilson giving the Shire a good lead in points early in the game.

The Shire men's confidence continued to build after more strong defensive phases and finally getting possession of the ball the Shire attack started flowing onto the pitch and off the back of a strong set piece more scores followed from Finlay Smeaton, Kenny Penman assisted by Thomas Dugdale, Scott McNeil and Captain Paul Harrow. Andy Wilson, tested by the strong winds converted 3 out of 4 bringing the half time score to 0-40 to Shire.

The second half started as the first half finished with more strong defence lines and solid set pieces from the forwards. A flowing attack allowed Shire to continue getting over that white line and more tries followed by Captain Pal Harrow, Tom Watson and Calvin Cox. Andy Wilson now facing the wind converted all 3 tries with a whopping great boot!

With the game being physically tough from both sides never letting up, the spectators were enjoying a pure game of rugby which was summed up by a passionate quote by subs player Russell Hall "Oh, that's rugby."

In the 3rd quarter of the game both sides suffered from some casualties and subs were switched in. No serious injuries occured and we wish all Shire & Mackie players a speedy recover. With the fresh legs on the pitch the game really broke up with Captain Paul Harrow running his 4th score of the say, followed by Jamie Stephen who rolled back the years with a lovely solo score from the half way line and throwing 2 audacious dummies, rallied by a huge roar from Shire supporters and his fellow teammates. Tom Watson scored the next try of the game which was converted by Mikey Mair in a great kick off the tee.

Mackie weren't out the game yet as they came forward with some attacking phases and were strongly camped in the Shire red zone for a number of minutes but the Shires defences and true grit really showed here and kept Mackie away from the try line. The second last try of the game was a brilliant inside pass from Barry Davies to Mikey Mair who took it over the line but unfortunately missed the conversion.

The last score of the day was a thunderous penalty try from our Captain Paul Harrow, who lost his boot on the half way line but continued to run straight down the park towards that line, one sock and one boot flying in the air, and with a high tackle in the act of grounding the try was awarded.

At full time the Aberdeenshire Mens ran out as the winners.

Congratulations to our Man of the Match - Finlay Smeaton, who covered a lot of ground during the match and made some essential tackles. And thanks to our MOTM Sponsor Brewtoon!

ARFC look forward to welcoming Mackie RFC to Woodside later in the season which looks to be another physical battle. Next week on, Saturday 21st September, the Aberdeenshire Men face Highland 2XV at home in another massive game and a big day for Woodside to get down early to support and get a parking space!

A huge thanks to all the ARFC supporters who travelled down to support us on this game.

A massive shout out to Pete Main for the fantastic photographs. We love seeing our men in action!!

Until next time - Kyle Mair - Team Manager