London Scottish U14 34 Finchley 10, Herts Middlesex League
Scottish U14s put on their finest performance of the season to overcome Finchley in this Herts Middlesex League fixture. It was a good day to put on a show with the club captain, Lewis Calder, running touch for the Under 14s!
Finchley started in fine form retaining the ball for the first minute and a half of play but once the Scottish boys managed to turn the ball over, it was quickly moved wide and Daniel sprinted through the defence for the first try of the game.
Within a minute of the re-start scrum-half Iain had to come off due to injury. With only forward replacements Josh moved to scrum-half, Archie to fly-half and Daniel from No. 8 to the centre allowing Leon to make his first start for the team. The changes worked well with Archie having a fine game playing at 10 and Daniel enjoying the freedom in the centre of the pitch, which resulted in a personal and impressive haul of five tries.
The second score showed the Scottish team at its best and a flowing move from the half-way line saw Daniel add a second score in the twelfth minute. However from the kick-off the ball was dropped and Finchley pounced to bring the score back to 10-5.
With 20 minutes gone Jamie J brilliantly created a turnover and Archie, Isaac and Tyrese ran the ball deep into the Finchley half. Recycled ball led to another score for Daniel and Scottish. Archie’s conversion moved the team to 17-5.
With the last play of the half Finchley put pressure on the Scottish scrum. The Scottish pack just managed to hold strong and this time Archie attacked right. Quick ruck ball was moved wide and Daniel again finished the move for a half-time lead of 22-5.
The second half started with an impressive 50 m run from Noel which took play to the Finchley line but the opposition held firm. Indeed there followed a ten minute period of play where Finchley improved their intensity and put the Scottish team under considerable pressure.
Max, a player with considerable potential and playing at No. 8, had the next impact on the game with a stunning solo try. A pick up from the back of the scrum and a 40 m run to the posts saw the score move to 29-5 after Archie had converted.
Scottish then rolled on the subs and Finchley grabbed the next score with a fine move from a 5m attacking lineout. The Finchley inside centre looked to be a player with considerable pace and flair who probably would have benefitted from more ball in hand.
The final score was the result of good Scottish defensive play. Seb, who had defended well all game, put pressure on the Finchley attackers which caused the turn over and allowed Daniel to cap a brilliant performance with his fifth try of the match.
Whilst Daniel excelled, this was a great team performance from the Scottish boys and another marked improvement on previous matches. Well done!
Other Junior results:
-U13 LS 30 v Tring B 7, Herts Middx League
-U18 LS 48 v Marlow 20, Friendly
