Newly promoted to the Herts and Middlesex 3rd Division, the team exceeded all expectations gaining a second promotion. We ended the season second in the table having played 7 and won 5, in six of the games we secured a four try bonus point.
All players have played at least three of the league games. In addition to the league games we have remained competitive playing a mixture of old and new opponents.
While the team opened the league season with a victory over Teddington, for the second match we were away to Ampthill – a team we had narrowly beaten last season. However, this season it was a different story: Ampthill put in an impressive display, hardly putting a foot wrong running out winners by 50-5. The margin of defeat, while difficult to stomach for the players galvanised them for the subsequent matches: winning four on the trot.
The final match of the season against Ruislip went down to the wire. Leading three tries to 1 at half time, we narrowly lost 26-22 – the two bonus points for this match resulted in us finishing equal second in the league, by virtue of having beaten the other team we finished second overall.
Reflecting over the season, all the players have improved individually. They have consolidated their core skills and matured as a team – while there are still some good individual skills displayed the performances are now more of a team effort.
The players are now thinking about the options and decisions to be made rather than acting on their first instinct. We have benefited from the support of other experienced Scottish players and coaches delivering some of the sessions particularly for tackling, rucking and defensive work.
2016/17 Season and looking ahead
Many of our players have been with the team since start of mini rugby, in addition we have had a steady flow of new players over the last few seasons but the squad size has remained relatively static at around 30. As we prepare for life as the U15s in Division 2, which will be a significant step-up, we want to further strengthen our squad.
Come and join in the fun. If you are U15 for the 2016/17 and want to join our team here at London Scottish contact us on playrugby@londonscottish.com
