London Scottish U14’s got the new season off to a satisfying start, with a bonus point league win away to Teddington.

Scottish earned promotion to Division 3 after topping the table last season (winning all their league games on the way). Teddington were also new to the Division having come down from Division Two last year so it was new territory for both clubs.

On a very warm day, and playing on Teddington’s first pitch the game got off to a cracking start with Scottish receiving the kick and working their way up field with a number of tight lines. Having worked their way up to the 22 Scottish turned to Thomas who ran straight and hard at the defence, introducing himself to several of the Teddington players on the way as he ploughed on to score under the posts. Ted stepped up and kicked the first of his conversions. He would eventually finish with a perfect kicking record from the match, and also put in some telling kicks behind the defence which our players happily ran onto.

With the scrums solid, and some improved handling in the line-outs Scottish were getting themselves a solid platform to pay from, and it was not surprising when Will was next up on the score sheet. Will who rounded off a good move in the backs which saw quick hands going out to the right before Will straightened up and ran through the fragmented defence for a score. Ted added the extras and Scottish re-grouped again. This time Scottish scored with another back line move giving Seth some space on the left. Seth took on the defence and duly scored. Marcel got on the scoresheet next, capping off some strong hard running in the centre, where he had a good game against his opposite number who was also a good runner and handler for them. Teddington got on the scoresheet themselves before half time before Thomas rounded the half off with another score.

At half time Scottish rung the changes and pulled in all 7 of the subs to give them all a half. Adam and Freddy came into second row for Eli and Carl. Olly took over flanker from Kyrill. Rocco and Ross took over the half back positions from Ted and Charlie, Ethan came on for Konrad in centre, and Christian moved to Full Back taking over from Jacob. Jacob, as ever, is a stalwart at Full Back, but Christian in his first outing also showed some good sense and made a brilliant cover tackle on the right wing. In the second half Teddington organised their attack better and started to cause some problems as the Scots tired. Teddington scored two tries with lovely flowing moves to their right wing where they often created an overlap as the Scots were slow at getting back into position. Scottish did put a great move together themselves with quick ball down the line giving Marcel the option of going himself or using Seth outside him. He spotted the Teddington cover was drifting across to mark Seth so decided to go himself straightening up the line and running over for his second of the day. Teddington finished with a further try, which earned them a bonus point, before the game petered out and the whistle blew for full time.

Thanks to the players, many of whom were having to cover in positions they were unfamiliar with. Cameron and Jonah put in a big shift up front with Thomas. George had to play the full game as well at flanker. Will is becoming a talismanic captain. We are blessed with having a number of options at half back, and all players are growing into the roles and adding tactical kicking from hand to their repertoire after Rocco showed the way last week. Charlie was industrious as ever. Though we didn’t get much ball to the right wing Ewan covered well and Ross enjoyed getting the win against his old club.

Thanks to Anton for being the first-aider, Keith for cleaning the kit and organising the water, and to Pascal for the oranges at half time. It is much appreciated by the team.