ELLON'S bid to return to the Premierships was dealt a major blow by Berwick last weekend when the Meadows men failed to get the better of the lowly placed Border side.
''We just didn't get off the bus, but despite the reverse I still believe we can go up, '' said a defiant Clint Parsons refusing to accept what most regard as a lost cause, especially as second placed Whitecraigs won at the weekend to extend its lead
over the Aberdeenshire team.
Ellon were not helped by a series of injuries to the front row, which necessitated the introduction of club president Steve Park in the second half.
The veteran of many a championship campaign did his utmost, but was unable to turn the tide in favour of the visitors.
The far travelled North - east side got off to a poor start, no doubt affected by the near five our journey, slumping to 10 point deficit in the first half against an up for it home side.
Ellon regained the initiative in the second period, clawing back seven points through stand off Mark Ryan who scored a fine solo try, which he converted to give hope to the travelling support.
It was, however, all in vain, as Berwick hit back with the best move of the match to put the match out of reach of the struggling visitors who by this time were clearly up against it in the front row.
''It was a disappointing end to a long day, making for a weary trip home, but the good news is we have only one away game in the league to come, but it's a tough one at Whitecraigs, and a must win one,'' said Parsons.
Ellon's best hope of success may now lie in the National Shield with a trip to Murrayfield on April 24 the reward.
''It would be nice to end the season on a high in the Shield, but then we're not out of the promotion race, even if some would have us dead and buried. We can still turn it around,'' said the never - say - die South African.
Weather permitting Ellon can enjoy home comforts this weekend when they entertain East Kilbride in the first home game since November 28.
In the meantime the diehards who follow the national side will trek to Rome where they hope to see Scotland break its duck in the RBS Six Nations.
A win against Italy will not be easy, especially as the Italians have been threatening to put one over against their so called superiors in the tournament.
An inspired performance against England deserved better, and the home support will relish an early opportunity to play at home against a Scots side who will have a point of its own to make after their late demise in Cardiff.
