As we enter week four of our season the men of London Scottish Amateur Rugby look set to continue their climb in performance, individually and collectively.
After a very tough and demanding pre-season led by Head of S&C Stuart Aimer with Boris Pireles and Vinit Patel assisting, the men look the fittest they've been in a long time, with a mental toughness echoing that of their professional counter parts in the Championship.
The Highlanders were set to kick off the season against Esher but a late call off from the opposition led them down to play Dorking as a replacement. The boys in blue, down 25-21 with no time on the clock, were awarded victory with new addition Cameron Gates racing through to score the winning try from 25 yards out. A great start to the senior amateur campaign.
The following week both Highlanders and Extra B's were in action against Stourbridge and Twickenham respectively. The extra B's fell short to a strong Twickenham side 30-16. Newly appointed LSFC Amateur club captain Matt Hayman was encouraged by the performance, stating victory was around the corner.
The Highlanders also suffered a loss but not without a dramatic fight back. Leading after a Jemel Edwards scored in the corner with 5 minutes gone on the clock Stourbridge came back strongly leading 26-8 at halftime. The Highlanders rallied and came back to lead the hosts 27-26 with four minutes left on the clock. Some big hits from prop Struan Main, scores by Cameron Golby-Barr, Josh Barton and Josh Gain and goal kicks by Captain Jamie Uruqhart had given hope that a win was within reach. Stourbridge held their nerve and forced a penalty which they converted and took the win. With both LSFC sides performing so well despite losses, all involved staunchly heeded Matt Haymans words. And rightly so. The extra B's went away to Pinner and scored a fantastic win with their captain crossing the whitewash in the torrent of tries by the boys in blue. The score finished 49-42 to the extra B's.
The Highlanders were at home to face their local rivals Barnes who had beaten them on the last day of the season just gone. Promising winger Calum Digby described it as a more than personal fixture as they sought revenge for the previous meeting. 16-8 up at half time the Highlanders duly delivered with Jemel Edwards crossing for his third try in three games. The resolute Highlanders defence held firm and centre Josh Barton intercepted on the half way to race under the sticks and put game firmly in the Highlanders hands. Final score 23-18.
The Highlanders and Extra B's are both coming off winning weekends with yet another set of massive fixtures on Saturday. The Highlanders are away to Bury St Edmunds with the Extra B's hosting neighbours London Welsh respectively. Please come down and support our amateur teams as we continue our progression alongside the London Scottish first XV in the Championship.
