New Wanderers era begins with spirited defeat

In a game played over three 20 minute segments, Aberdeen Wanderers went into their first pre-season match under new head coach, Mark "Stretch" Cowie, with a renewed sense of excitement and determination to improve on the prior seasons performances. The 20+ selected players had been tasked with displaying the clubs new hunger for contact and absolute commitment to the Team cause.

It was over to Stretch and new club Captain SImon "Foxy" Fox to have the final words with the boys before kick off. They clearly had the desired effect with debut winger Ross Printie chasing down an inch perfect Craig Haddow kick off taking man and ball with a huge hit on his opposite man. This early exchange would set the tone for the match with neither team willing to take a step back and eager to demonstrate who had worked hardest over a gruelling pre-season.

Wanderers competed well in the first 20 minute segment with an enthusiastic fringe defence being led by hooker Nathan "Garioch" Alexander, prop Jake Watt and Hamilton "Hammy" Burr. However, in attack the lads could perhaps be excused for being a little rusty in certain areas, notably conceding several breakdown turnovers due to a lack of support and body height of arriving numbers. Undoubtedly it was the result of conceding possession that led to Mackie's first score. Utilising their 115KG+ Maori man-child to make the hard yards in midfield and a few further impressive offloads from the back row, Mackie eventually ground down Wanderers scramble defence to break the deadlock in the right hand corner. Mackie added to their lead with a well worked set piece try that was difficult to prevent.

Basic tackle technique seemed to have been forgotten by Wanderers over the summer with forwards repeatedly going high on Mackie's main ball carriers and therefore unable to stop them on the gain line - a key objective for Wanderers this year. In fact, it would be the Wanderers half backs who proved most effective in bringing Mackie's big men down by bravely chopping them at the ankles - PLAYERS TAKE NOTE.

Beginning the second 20 minute spell with several changes having taken place over the break, Wanderers received the wake up call they needed. Straight from the kick off, Mackie's replacement No.8/Ogre bust multiple tackles over a 40m rumble toward the try line only to eventually be stopped a metre or so short by the Wanderers midfield. This seemed to trigger the wake up call the boys needed - withstanding the early pressure Wanderers then began to hold onto the ball and gave themselves a platform to build from. Wanderers definitely had the upper hand throughout this 20 with forwards beginning to punch holes in attack around the ruck and provide solid ball for the backs to play with. With this, the boys gradually found their way back into the game with a try from 13/14 season Vice Captain, Mike Smith. Resisting the urge to take a quick tap five or so meters out, Wanderers considered their options before using big man Ben Gray to bash it up and suck in a a few defenders leading to a few phases of play to either side before the ball was slickly played left along the line for the try to be scored. A perfect example of taking the right the option at the right time and remaining patient.

Struggling in the line-out, Wanderers endeavoured to give their all and demonstrate absolute commitment to one another during the third 20 minute spell. Ryan Kolebaba putting his head where it hurt by stealing and gathering multiple loose balls and Mike Smith making a lung busting cover tackle (only to be ruled as a high tackle and resulting in a penalty try) were just a couple examples of this brilliant team spirit. Wanderers exemplified impressive discipline in the heat of the battle laughing off some obvious attempts by the opposing hooker to rile our lads. Commitment and Discipline were both outlined as key areas for Wanderers achieving their season aim so it was impressive to see them being demonstrated this early on.

The highlight of the game was undoubtedly Wanderers second try not long before the final whistle. In classic Wanderers style, a free flowing counter attack move found them in Mackie's bottom right corner. Resisting the urge to creep flatter and flatter, Wanderers kept their depth with returning faces Scott Rowell and Euan Minellas linking well before an unconventional offload from the latter allowed another debutant wing, Sammy, to bury his way over in the corner. The try was testament to the teams fitness and willingness to play free flowing rugby - evidence that a tough pre-season has paid off.

Overall, as always it is disappointing to lose but it must be remembered that this was a pre-season game and our first under a new coach and style of play. It was great to see guys make their Wanderers debut as well as some returning faces (GET TO TRAINING). There were some areas of real encouragement (fitness, fringe defence and attack) but plenty of areas to work on (open field defence/tackling, line-outs, breakdown support/body height and cohesion in forwards) in training leading up to the clubs season opener.

Final Score: Mackie 31 v Aberdeen Wanderers 10