Welcome to this week’s stat bunker, the place where you get all the insights, exclusive statistics and analysis of last weekend’s game and the upcoming fixtures. All of this powered by Cairnhill Structures.
London Scottish bounced back with a strong display against Hartpury last weekend. Picking up a bonus point and so nearly the win, however, ultimately finishing up just short. Find out where that game was won and lost.
Top Line Stats
This week Hartpury dominated possession and territory having 57% of the ball and spending 62% of the time in the London Scottish half. However, the game as tight for much of it and not necessarily reflective of these stats.
Both sides kicked similar amounts with Hartpury running the ball slightly more often. The away side were able to get six more offloads in compared to London Scottish but the Exiles dominated the gainline contest, getting on the front foot almost 40% of the time.
Both sides held onto the ball relatively well with only one turnover differential between the two sides. Scottish, however, gave away four more penalties than their opposition and two yellow cards which cost them dearly in the final quarter.
Set Piece Stats
The set piece was a very even tussle reflective of the game as a whole. Both sides won over 85% of their line out ball only losing three line outs cumulatively.
Both scrums operated well with both sides winning all of their own ball and no penalties won in either direction.
The maul is where the sides started to differ. Both sides scored a try from the maul but Hartpury were able to milk four penalties to London Scottish’s 2. Two of Hartpury’s penalties also led to yellow card which was a key facet of the game.
Individual Stars
Harry Clayton and Dan Nutton starred for London Scottish this week. The hooker racked up 15 tackles hit 17 rucks and won a turnover for his side.
Dan Nutton in just over 45 mins made a big impact on the game. No errors, a turnover won and a strong kicking game earns his side’s back of the week.
Outside these two, Tom Wilstead also had a strong game, making the most amount of metres of any side (81). He also topped the London Scottish carry charts alongside Tom Marshall with 10 and beat 5 defenders.
These stats were only just surpassed by Alex Morgan of Hartpury who beat 8 defenders across the 80 minutes. Morgan also topped the carry charts with 15 across his strong display.
Where the game was won and lost
The game was a tight one throughout and came down to the final quarter where Hartpury pulled away. Discipline played a key factor with both sides giving away just 5 penalties each in the first half. However, in the second Scottish gave away 7 to Hartpury’s 3, along with two yellow cards, sealing their fate.
Scottish’s success also came in the first half when they had a stronger kicking game. Kicking 23 times in the first half compared to Hartpury’s 18, this switched to 12 kicks for Scottish in the second compared to 19 from Hartpury as London Scottish chased a score at the end of the game.
