The annual fixture played every New Year’s Eve between London Scottish U21s and Richmond U21s would see two equally strong squads go head to head.
This traditional and historic game celebrates many players who are away at University coming back home for the festive season.
The game would see Richmond kicking off first and kick deep into London Scottish territory but with a fine take by Alex Brown who passed to the fly-half Harvey Young, relieved pressure with a perfectly weighted kick into touch.
Richmond would draw first blood scoring in the far corner from a well drilled backs move but couldn't add the extra points.
London Scottish won the ball from the re-start and instantly push their way into Richmond's terrain.
London Scottish's fly-half Harvey Young would keep adding the pressure by drilling the ball deep into Richmond's 22.
Richmond counter attacked well gaining yards and with a few miss tackles from London Scottish, Richmond eventually got over for their second try, with the extra points added making the game London Scottish 0 – 12 Richmond.
Richmond continued to press but with a clever turn over won by the London Scottish forwards, the speed of London Scottish's hands in the backs opened up Richmond's defence which allowed Daley Aremu to make an incisive break into Richmond's 22.
Richmond turned over the ball and with great tackles from Sam Nixon and Louie Sutherland in succession, Richmond fly-hack the ball from a lose ruck and Elliot Simmons read it well making a penetrating break himself back into Richmond's 22.
London Scottish forwards set up a destructive maul and drove Richmond back over their line with Alex Brown scoring the try but London Scottish fly-half, Young couldn't add the extra points.
London Scottish U21 5 – 12 Richmond U21.
Richmond would keep trying to penetrate London Scottish's defence but it didn't budge with Sam Nixon, Cameron Leigh and Maurice Nwakor making tackles and Maurice Nwakor turning the ball over in one of the big tackles made.
Richmond were penalised and confidence was high among the London Scottish forwards, Cameron Leigh opting for a scrum.
With destructive force London Scottish forwards powered their opposition back with again Alex Brown scoring.
Harvey Young added the extra points bring the game level as the half time whistle went, London Scottish 12 – 12 Richmond.
London Scottish would see the better of the second half as they forced Richmond to make handling errors with a great pressure defence system.
Sam Nixon, moving from second row to the front row, showed his strength as he easily out powered his opposite number and gave the referee no option but to award London Scottish a penalty.
A quick tap would loose London Scottish the ball and in open play Richmond ran the ball well and spread it wide for another try in the corner making the game 12 – 17 to Richmond.
London Scottish reacted well and won the ball back, Daley Aremu eventually going over in the corner making the game 17 – 17 apiece.
Both teams would play the last quarter of the match with great skill and determination.
London Scottish would dominate in the scrum with Sam Nixon and Maurice Nwakor showing their strength and off the back off a scrum Ewan Robertson would find the tryline making London Scottish ahead on the score board for the first time, 22 – 17.
Richmond would relentlessly batter away at Scottish's defence and leveled matters up with a try for 22-22 before a late Richmond break away try sealed the game, 27-22 in their favour.
In all fairness to both teams and for the occasion, a draw would have better reflected the game but as Richmond showed in the past they can be very resilient.
Full credit goes to both teams and a lot of positives for London Scottish U21s to take away.
The crowd was fantastic and showed their support to both teams and we look forward to the return New Years Eve fixture next season.
London Scottish squad:
1. Maurice Nwakor, 2. Todd Cleave, 3. Cameron Leigh (Capt), 4 Sam Nixon, 5 Finlay Hillicks, 6 Louie Sutherland, 7. Marcus Sirmon, 8. Alex Brown, 9. Ben Calder, 10. Harvey Young, 11 Daley Aremu, 12. Elliot Simmons, 13. Will Edwards, 14 Jake Birrell, 15 Nathan Adu, 16. Charlie Currie, 17. Dan Neal, 18. Clarke Smith, 19. Josh Smith, 20 Ewan Robertson, 21 Tom Inglis, 22. Alex Crisp, 23. Josh Gain, 24 James Parker, 25. Conrad Burne
Management:
Coaches: Corné du Rand, Louise Meadows
S&C: Tom Bryan
Physios: Julie Bieles, Clare Blathwayt
Team Manager: James Collins-Clarke
