Catch up with all the news from the amateur section.
Minis’ Update:
Hello winter! We’ve gone from muddy knees to frozen cheeks. This week’s training was definitely the coldest we’ve had this season.
But it’s going to take more than a bit of ice on car windscreens to stop the Under-7 squad. We had an impressive turn out, with 16 players and a head coach who squared off against the cold in shorts and a T-shirt.
We kicked things off with a few games of bulldog, as usual, and then started some new running and tagging drills. We focused on players staying inside the boundaries while avoiding opponents. We’re also teaching the kids to run forward as much as possible, not sideways or (gasp!) backwards. To wrap things up, we played some games of tag rugby.
Well done to all the players who braved the cold! That’s what it’s all about. Thank you to the parents who shuffled around on the side lines.
Our medals this week went to Beau Fakouri, Jack Coleman and Ollie Fisher. Our player of the week is Jack Cornelius. Congrats all!
We’ve also had word from our other star coach, JC, all the way from Scotland. We can’t confirm or deny there was whiskey involved, but he did say he could hear the Under-7s shouting something about playing for “LONDON SCOTTISH!”
Alex Eliseev – U7s Parent
Juniors’ Update:
It was great to see so many Scottish U13 lads out Sunday for our friendly at home with Harlequins. It was slightly chillier weather, but the lovely sunshine helped warm us up, as did the joint training.
Harlequins fielded 10 boys, so we loaned them two in the first half and just one in the second as Scottish suffered a couple of injuries. We also agreed to play half a pitch for the match due to the reduced numbers. It was all a little bit different, but the boys rolled with it and continued to build on their skills.
There was some great intensity from the Scottish side in the first half. The forwards were winning the ball at the breakdown and getting it out to the backs. The backs passed well through the line and got the ball into Axel’s hands. With a burst of speed, he produced several tries.
The second half saw Ben G deliver more consistent good ball handling skills, many catches of the high ball from kicks, some great runs and solid tackles. For his efforts, he stood out this week as Player of the Match.
Scott Gregory – U13s Coach
Colts’ Update:
The Colts played Weybridge Vandals on Sunday, but unfortunately came off worse in the mud at Brownacres.
Despite the Colts being unable to call on their usual 9, 10, 12 combination the players drafted into take the places performed well and the Colts were in for much of the match.
Under pressure from the off, the boys did extremely well in the opening 15 mins as Weybridge seemed to be camped on our line, but our defence held strong. It wasn’t until late in the first half that we saw the first score, when Weybridge put the ball through the hands to score in the right corner.
With the conversion missed we went in for half time only 5-0 behind.
As the second half started the Scots began applying more pressure, but frequent knock-ons in and around their 5m line meant we had difficulty turning the pressure into points. One great move through the hands would have led to a score, but was called back for a forward pass on their 22.
Weybridge, playing the conditions (strong wind) and pitch wel,l started getting out from the defensive pressure and putting more moves together themselves
Eventually, from a lineout they created one of the best passages of play in the game with some quick hands and the backs making ground, before putting the winger away on the right for the score.
The boys then switched off for a couple of minutes and failed to pressure on Weybridge at the restart, allowing them to make quick ground through our fractured defence.
With the Weybridge support runners on hand, they managed to score despite some great chasing and cover tackling from our centres. Aberration quickly forgotten, the Colts were quickly back on the offensive and forcing penalties in the Weybridge 22.
Finn C then showed some strength to power through from close range breaking several tackles. Ted kicked the extras to take it to 7-17 and the boys were looking to address the deficit in the final minutes.
However, it was Weybridge who got the break, and after several phases went in again to take the score to 7-22. Again, the Colts came back and were deep into the Weybridge 22, but the Weybridge defence held and there was no time for a further score.
The Colts are now looking forward to playing Lambs rugby – the team created to allow boys to showcase their rugby skills at a representative level and play unreserved “heads up” rugby in the Corinthian spirit – on Sunday 15th December at London Scottish. This will be their final game before the Christmas break so why not come along and watch.
Ian Hannah – Convener of Colts Rugby
Girls’ Rugby Update:
On a cold and gloomy afternoon, the U18 girls travelled to Sutton & Epsom and came away defeated 62-0 by a well drilled and skillfull opposition. The Scottish girls weren’t helped by a number of late dropouts meaning some positional reshuffling in a scratch 15 that took the pitch. More numbers needed in future girls.
That said, those that stepped up to unfamiliar roles performed well and learnt new skills (Bainzy, Issie B, Holly and Charlotte). Some good experience and lots of positives to take forward to the remaining two games before Christmas.
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 do join us or email Tim Hardman (tim.hardman@niche.org.uk) for more information.
Community Update:
On Sunday 1st December members of the London Scottish Community Team and Amateur teams attended partner school Latchmere’s Christmas Fair.
The Cairnhill and London Scottish passing cage attracted a number of young rugby talents over to the Scots stall all looking to impress with their passing skills.
The day was a huge success helping raising money for the school as well as recruiting a number of new players for our mini and junior age groups.
Ross Peacock – One Club Rugby Director
