In their final league match of the season on Sunday, London Scottish U13s defeated Chess Valley 27-5 to end the season unbeaten and secure promotion.

On a great day for rugby they had to be at their best with the match a lot closer than the final scoreline suggests.

Chess Valley came into the game sitting third in the league, having lost only once, against Ampthill whom Scottish narrowly beat earlier in the season.

Whoever won this game was guaranteed promotion from the league so it was all to play for and both sides started well from the off.

After enduring some early pressure, Scottish managed to gain some territory, and then rounded off a lineout with a planned move off the front that led to Thomas scoring in the corner.
 
Having gone ahead, Scottish then had to endure further pressure as Chess Valley looked to come back into the game.

Scottish defence was good and the tackles gradually won them some ball.

Thomas’ runs had Chess Valley focusing on him throughout but the Scots have a well-balanced side and are very solid up front as well as having a gifted backline.

Scottish created many opportunities through players like William, Jonah, Alec, Ted, Charlie and Cameron before offloading to the speedsters of Seth, Marcel, Ewan and Jacob who all had good runs.

Eventually the attacking flair told and Ted went over for the second try of the half before duly adding the extras from a successful conversion.
 
Marcel, as ever, was having a fine game in the centre and crossed either side of half time which helped settle Scottish nerves.

In the second half, both teams emptied their subs bench, and whilst Scottish lost some influential players through injury the subs performed very well, as expected.

Konrad eventually went over for a well-deserved try in a mass of players after the third phase of play on Chess Valley’s line.
 
Chess Valley crossed for the final try of the game but by then the result was already decided.
 
Both sides were warmly applauded off the pitch before meeting up again in the clubhouse for the after match food.

Chess Valley introduced the Scottish players to “muddy puddle” drinks (Coke and Orange juice) for the two best players from each side.

It was a great atmosphere for the players and all credit to Chess Valley and their coaches for their part both on and off the pitch.
 
London Scottish now have a series of friendlies to play before the end of season tour to Bishop Stortford.

When they return next year they will be playing in division 3 of the U14’s league.

Good luck to them, and long may they keep playing rugby with a smile.