Back rower Joe Atkinson made his fiftieth appearance for London Scottish this past weekend in our final Greene King IPA Championship game of the season against Yorkshire Carnegie.
Sadly Atkinson could not mark the occasion with a win as the Scots battled and lost at Emerald Headinley 27-19.
Atkinson arrived in South West London after three years down in Penzance with the Cornish Pirates. He immediately became adored by the Scottish supporters for his tireless work rate around the field, his big carries and his total abandon for his body in defence.
In his first year with Scottish he made 25 appearances in all competitions and scored six tries. This year has nearly mirrored his stats. He will make his 25th appearance against Yorkshire, this year however he has only managed 5 tries yet he has played an influential role in many scores throughout the Scots season.
Atkinson was very thankful heading into his final game of the year, “thanks to Dave, Millsy (Jonathan Mills), Dan (George) and Jake (Sharp) for being so supportive over the past year. I was really hoping that I could sign off my career at Scottish on Saturday with a win away at Yorkshire Carnegie but it was not meant to be. Nonetheless it is a very special moment for me to receive my 50th Cap.”
Atkinson made a name for himself in the Championship at Cornish Pirates but before that he was at Loughborough University and was named an England Student during his time there. At the beginning of this season, he was named in Bath’s Premiership Singha 7s squad for their leg at Franklins Gardens.
Morris was very complimentary of the hard working back rower. “When I arrived at Scottish I made it my number one priority to sign Joe. Having worked with Joe previously at Loughborough University I was very aware of his incredible athleticism and quiet determination. I see him as a match winner and he hasn’t disappointed this season. He has worked very hard for a sustained period of time and I would like to congratulate him on this fantastic achievement. He now joins Matty Williams and Chris Walker this season to have brought up his 50th cap.”
Joe has been a warrior at Scottish on the field but a true gentleman off it and he is always found in the Members Bar after home games chatting to supporters. Everyone at London Scottish would like to congratulate Joe on his achievement and becoming the third player this season to reach 50 caps for the club.
