The Junior Academy squad rounded off 2016 with an impressive performance against The Lambs, an invitation team drawn from independent schools across the country.
The London Scottish team was made up of the club’s under-17/18s as well as players from local clubs that are part of the junior academy set-up.
The Lambs is an under-18 select team with a philosophy of playing “unreserved heads-up running rugby” and they certainly lived up to this, with their first foray into the Scottish half. With just two minutes on the clock, a lost defensive Scottish scrum saw the ball moved quickly to the left for an unconverted score out wide. 0-5 to The Lambs.
The Scottish team fought their way back into the contest with some spirited and determined defence and gradually started to get a foothold in the match. With fourteen minutes gone, fly-half Fraser opted to kick deep. From the line-out a penalty was awarded to the Young Lions and Demi tapped and attacked. Ryan, playing at centre, ran a great line and smashed his way through two defenders for an equalising score. Fraser added two points to move Scottish ahead 7-5.
The forwards were now controlling a lot of ball and providing a great platform from which the backs could attack. With twenty minutes played Scottish moved the score to 14-5 when Ryan broke a tackle and off-loaded to centre partner Will for the score.
The Lambs came back with another score out wide, again unconverted. With the half coming to a close it was the Scottish boys that finished the stronger with the best score of the game. The ball was moved swiftly through the backs to left wing and then brought back inside through some great support play. When the attack went to ground the ball was recycled and moved quickly to the right and Bola smashed over for another score, again converted by Fraser. Half-time 21-10.
Rotations took place for the second half and both teams demonstrated their desire to keep attacking. This time it was Scottish with the first serious attack which just fell short when the ball was spilled over the line. From the defensive scrum, The Lambs decided to run from deep and a misplaced pass was intercepted by Fraser for a walk-in and a converted score. 28-10.
As the game became increasingly open it was The Lambs that were rewarded with two further unconverted scores, closing the score to 28-20. With just three minutes remaining, the Young Lions showed their resilience and determination to hold strong, resisting multiple attacks. When the final whistle was blown the Scottish boys celebrated a fine victory and the sizeable crowd applauded both teams for a fine match.
There was no individual award to man-of-the-match this week as everyone played their part in a brilliant squad victory. A Happy Christmas to all!
Young Lions – Forwards
Doug McLaughlin; Tom Kane (Capt.); Omar Pellew; Isaac Koomson; Max Gallagher; Sol Usher; Matas Jurevicius; Toby Warburton; Dan Edgar; Ali McLaughlin; Christian Gale; Bola Docemo; Jerry Talampas.
Young Lions – Backs
Demi Ajeigbe; Fraser Syme; Ryan Jones; Will Aris; Daniel Masters; Taino Goveia; Josh Ferguson; David Semu; Fergus Anderson; Timi Olopade.
