One Club Round Up – w/c Monday 18th November 2019
Mini’s Update:
Off the back of the U7s success at the festivals held by Richmond and ourselves in October, the U7s are now building more game time into their weekly sessions, with conventional touch rugby and also the introduction of a new “second ball” game designed to help build awareness of space and marking amongst the team.
Despite some initial confusion when ball #1 disappears and ball #2 arrives on the other side of the pitch, the squad’s really enjoying this practice. Combined with some new drills, the coaches are seeing some improvements throughout the squad, with everyone more confident in their running, passing and tagging.
We’re off this weekend for our second “away” fixture of the season at Wasps in Acton. This is a now a regular fixture on our calendar and Wasps – a really welcoming club with strong community links – feels like a real home from home for London Scottish. Hope to see everyone there!
Lastly, even though we are well underway for the season and have a record number in the squad, we’re always on the look-out for new players. Please spread the word, feel free to bring along school friends and family members to try us out on Sundays!
John Fletcher – U7 Lead Coach
Junior’s Update:
Following a strong start to the season, London Scottish hosted Grasshoppers on Sunday in the second round of matches arranged by the Herts & Middlesex league. The match was finely balanced between the two teams and a physically tough encounter.
Grasshoppers opened the scoring with two quick tries from the kick-off, keeping possession and moving the ball well. London Scottish managed to turn the tide, securing more possession and territory as the team began to click into gear.
A strong attack was executed at speed and with impressive handling from several boys and was finished by Lucas for the team’s first try.
This was swiftly followed with more pressure on Grasshoppers, whose defensive clearance was caught by Sam at full back, who accelerated through the defence to level the score at 2-2.
Grasshoppers managed to strike back, but their lead was short-lived as fluid handling and strong running led to tries finished firstly by Ben M and then Sam to put Scottish ahead 4-3 at half time.
Scottish continued the momentum into the second half with a try in the corner from No. 8 Axel to make it 5-3.
There then followed five tries from Grasshoppers in succession, who showed physicality in getting back into the game, particularly in the ruck.
Scottish struggled to contain some of their bigger players, who managed to break through tackles to get to the try line. Nonetheless, Jackson managed to strike back with a richly deserved try with typical dynamism.
Unfortunately, Scottish could not maintain the momentum, and a further Grasshoppers try gave the home team a mountain to climb in the dying minutes. Axel scored the last try of the match, but time was now against the boys and the game ended 7 – 9.
The match was tough and the result was hard to take given the effort the boys had put in. Star player of the match was Owen, who led by example with some tremendous tackling. Overall there were fantastic moments in attack and some committed defence, but also some lessons to learn to take into the next matches.
Colin Adams – U13 Lead Coach
Girl’s Rugby Update:
Sunday 10th November saw some of our U13 girls take part in their first competitive game as part of the “Scrubies”, a scratch team with Ruislip Rubies against London Welsh following friendships made at the Pitch Up & Play ran at the RAG on the 3rd November.
It was a great morning and seeing so many young girls enjoying their rugby, playing with smiles and real commitment in both attack and defence kept the supporters really engaged.
Well done to Ella (Scoring her first ever try!), Esme (who covered every patch of grass), Primrose (who kept taking the knocks and coming back) and Lucy (for running some great support lines throughout) who did the shirt proud!
Darren Bartlett – Girl’s Rugby Support Coach
Touch Update:
Mixed social touch rugby continues to run at the RAG on a Monday evening from 7.00-8.30pm on pitch 2.
Should you be interested in getting involved then please do email Tim Hardman (tim.hardman@niche.org.uk) for more information.
