Aberdeen Wanderers 1st XV had their final preseason game this afternoon against Garioch RFC. What was meant to be this first league game of the season for both sides was turned into a friendly, due to Aberdeen Wanderers’ recent promotion into the Caledonia Division One League. The sun was shining bright, and there was a large crowd at Groats Road to cheer on the boys. The Wanderers needed this game to boost their confidence as they know that their new position in Caley One is going to be a tough one.

The first half began with a penalty to Wanderers, which was kicked into touch. Garioch stole the lineout but shortly after they knocked it on, awarding Wanderers with a scrum. Garioch pressed on and were awarded a penalty to kick for touch, however Wanderers stole the lineout and were awarded with another scrum after another knock on from Garioch. This was followed by a penalty, where Hugh Conlon was first to put points on the board, bringing the score up to 3-0. Shortly after, Wanderers secured their lead with a try from Elliot Chadwick, and Hugh Conlon managed to pick up the extra points and bring the score up to 10-0. Garioch spotted a gap in Wanderers’ defence, and managed to get through and bring the score up to 10 points to 7. The score did not stay this close for too long, as Garioch gave away yet another penalty through a forward pass, allowing Wanderers’ to kick for touch. They performed a brilliant lineout, and this followed by a rolling maul meant Wanderers could get the ball over the line, and bring up the score to 15-7; and the try was awarded to Hugh Conlon.

The beginning of the second half saw no points on the board. However, the Wanderers boys showed of their magnificent skills in defence as the majority of this half was played inside their 22m, however Garioch scored no points. Wanderers ended this intense and exciting play by kicking the ball into touch. The ball just reached the halfway line. Garioch took the lineout, but Wanderers stole it and demonstrated another beautiful rolling maul and were rewarded with another try, this time by Gavin Smith, making the final score 20-7 to Aberdeen Wanderers.

Head Coach Russell Arthur commends the efforts of the boys, “I was pleased with the overall performance. I thought we controlled most aspects of the game. We played our game structure well and caused Garioch real problems, especially when the ball went wide.”

Captain Jake Watt was impressed with the efforts of the team, “In the face of a strong Garioch side, the boys kept their heads and we kept our game plan until the end.”

Wanderers’ man of the match was awarded to Duncan Coull for playing putting in a strong performance for the full 80 minutes of the game.