Scottish built some much need momentum going into a crucial relegation play off game this weekend. We delve into stats and where the game was truly won and lost in this week’s Stat Bunker brought to you by Cairnhill.
Despite a victory on the scoreboard it was Caldy who seemed to edge it when it comes to the top level stats. The away side held 57% possession and 52% of territory. This resulted in more carries for Caldy and more tackles for Scottish as the home side made 186 tackles throughout the eighty minutes.
Despite a tackle 77% success rate, Scottish made more dominant tackles also got over the gain line more regularly than their opponents, showing that the Exiles were able to stop their opposition in their tracks in a solid defensive effort.
Scottish’s set piece was functioning on all cylinders at the weekend. A 100% record at the line out compared to 79% success rate from Caldy. Scottish did lose one of their four scrums whilst Caldy won all six of theirs.
However, both sides were able to gain one penalty from the scrum meaning that no one got the upper hand at the set piece and Scottish were able to keep themselves in the fight in the tight exchanges.
Scottish had some stand out displays this weekend. Most notabley Oli Duncan who scored a 9 from the Champ impact score. In his performance, Oli scored a try, hit 15 rucks, made 34m with the ball in hand and completed 13 tackles. A special performance by the young back row.
In the backs, Theo Povey, came into the fray just 15 minutes into the game for his debut and shone immediately. Making 90m from six carries including a long range try. Theo put in an amazing debut performance to get his side over the line on the weekend!
Scottish’s discipline has been an issue all season and it wasn’t completely rectified at the weekend but much improved. Caldy gave away three fewer penalties from London Scottish as the sides had a relatively even game when it came to discipline.
Scottish also dominated the kicking battle, kicking for over 600m compared to 380m of Caldy. This was done with just three more kicks than their opponents and allowed them to get a foot hold in territory and keep Caldy at bay in the key moments.
Scottish also made the most of their opportunities when they were on. In the third quarter Scottish picked up two tries off the back of strong discipline and winning turnovers. In that 20 minute period Caldy gave away five penalties to Scottish’s two.
Scottish were also able win more turnovers and make more metres during this period. A key period in the game which Scottish dominated and got on top in a crucial way.
