Mini’s Update:
U7s combined with the U8s team for the half term training session, more than holding their own with the older squad.
The team is developing strongly now, building on the success at the recent festivals. Handling skills are improved all round and the squad is mastering more complex training drills as the season progresses.
John Fletcher – U7’s Lead Coach
Junior’s Update:
U13s dominate second half in decisive win over visiting Chiswick
With possession changing frequently, we saw great tackles by Alban, Alec and Axel before Max got the ball and made ground. Jackson gathered the ball again and sprinted before tossing an overhead pass which Max grabbed while running in support.
Ethan made his Scottish debut and made his presence felt with solid contributions.
Great tackles from Woody, Oli and Ben built confidence. Oli made a great pass to Axel at mid-field and he sped away for the first try.
More great passing from our boys as they pushed deep into Chiswick’s half. A great series of passes ended with Sam launching over the goal line for the second try.
Owen and Jackson were making memorable tackles but Chiswick broke through our lines in the 18th minute (2-1).
Scottish defence struggled as Chiswick made two more tries in quick succession (2-3).
The ball went to Axel again and he tore down the side of the pitch for the equaliser to end the half (3-3).
It was a much better half for Scottish with powerful scrums, rucks, and support play. The boys played with incredible energy, discipline and teamwork. Josef, Brodie and Khattab continued to add their strengths to the match.
Josh and Owen had a great run of mutual support popping passes between them.
Axel and Sam started the scoring before Chiswick replied (5-4). Sam did brilliantly on defence, with try-stopping tackles. Axel added two more before Jackson put one over. Axel finished the match with his 6th try of the day. Second half 6-1.
Colts Update:
London Scottish Colts joined up with fellow exiles London Welsh, for a Remembrance day match vs Frankfurt Rugby
Lats Sunday was a first for the Colts as they joined forces with London Welsh to form a combined exiles squad to take on Frankfurt Rugby. With only one joint training session prior to the match the combined exiles wasn’t enough to combat the might of Frankfurt, but it was great to see the two teams play together and make the most of some school partnerships as well. Not surprisingly there were holes in our structure, but the lads gave it all they had a competed until the end, but were ultimately unable to break down Frankfurt and impose our gameplan on them. Looking forwards, the guys have a busy week ahead with many having schools cup games on Wed or Saturday, so we are managing their game time accordingly. We will also be developing the relationship with London Welsh further as the Colts head for the next big matches against Lambs rugby (public schools Barbarians) in December, and Modena rugby in February.
Ian Hannah – Convener of Colts
Girl’s Update:
On Wednesday 6th November the London Scottish Girls Rugby ran another session for local secondary schools following on from the one run in October. 40 Girls from years 8 and 9 from Orleans Park School, Grey Court School, St Richard Reynolds School and the Richmond Upon Thames School came down to the Athletic Ground for an afternoon of training games. All schools played each other in a round robin format with the aim of increasing their competitive game time ahead of the borough qualifying tournament for the London Youth Games.
The potential to be selected to represent the borough at the Youth Games is a clear motivation for the players and a number were really positive about their past experiences and opportunities and therefore keen to progress again this year. The games were played with great competitive spirit and some strong individual performances from the beginning.
The session was superbly supported by first team players Jack Ingall and Bobby Beattie and by girls squad players Poppy, Carys and Becca. Each of these players were observing and mentoring the schools and providing technical and tactical tips as the games progressed. As a result, the overall performance levels of each school improved markedly from one game to the next along with improvements in individual confidence and skill levels.
All round an excellent example of One Club engagement with our local community and the feedback from the respective teachers was really positive. So much so that they have asked that we run similar format sessions for year 7 girls in the new year which we look forward to.
Tim Lawn – Head of Girl’s Rugby
Touch Update:
Mixed social touch rugby continues to run at the RAG on a Monday evening from 7.00-8.30pm on pitch 2.
Should you be interested in getting involved then please email Tim Hardman (tim.hardman@niche.org.uk) for more information.
