London Scottish U14’s have secured back to back promotions over the last two seasons since joining junior rugby, and next year they will run out as U15’s in Division 2!

They go into the close season with heads held high, after a season where they have played some great rugby, and all have developed significantly. There is lots to build on for the coaches who are looking forward to develop the players further so they continue to enjoy their rugby as they play up the ranks.

Once again it has been a total squad effort, and all the squad have played in at least 3 of the 7 league games this season as we continue to develop all the players. With the end of season awards coming up, there has been strong competition for all the awards and the final winners can be justifiably proud.

The two bonus points secured through scoring four tries and ending within 5 points of Ruislip were enough to see the team take second place in the league on a nervy outing for the team. On a dry day, with a good pitch the team were looking to score tries through their backline, a trade mark of this squad throughout the season.

They started well, and went into the lead with a try from Marcel, playing at outside centre again after playing most of the season on the wing. Strong running and side-steps are the hall mark of his game, and he took on the defence a number of times, often attracting tackles from three or four players, but had the balance and power to keep going.

Eventually touching down on the wing. Ruislip came back with a try of their own close to the posts after some strong Scottish defence. However, Scottish bounced back into the game and started putting together some phases using more of the team taking them back up field and into Ruislip’s red zone. Thomas stepped up once more to show how valuable he is, and how much his fitness has improved this year, as he raced up the wing, shrugging off tackles as he went and dotting down under the posts, and then again out wide.
 
After the half time break Scottish tried to continue in the same vein, but were caught out committing too many men to attack just outside the Ruislip 22. The ball spun loose, and a fast back from Ruislip got to the ball first, and raced through for a 60m try against the run of play, despite being chased all the way by Mark. Scottish bounced back, and secured their four try bonus point with a try of their own.

The final session of the game went to Ruislip, who gradually increased the pressure and forced Scottish into making some risky decisions when steady possession and game management may have served them better.

Congratulations to Ruislip, who were able to score three tries in the closing stages which meant they ran out worthy winners 26-22, but the season goes to Scottish with the promotion in the league.