The London Scottish boys got off to the perfect start in their Herts Middlesex league campaign with a well-deserved victory away at Wasps.
Under 17s – Herts Middx Div 3
Wasps 0 – 36 London Scottish
29.11.201511am kick-off
On a windy Sunday morning and playing on a heavy pitch it was important to make the early mark and it was Scottish that did exactly that from the off. Within two minutes the boys turned a defensive lineout into the first score. A secure ball from the lineout was cleared by Iain and the kick was well-chased. Scottish turned over the ball which was quickly moved to Raph who ran in the first score.
Things got better on nine minutes when the team made the decision to run, into the wind, from their own 22. After breaking into the Wasps half, a good piece of defence from the opposition secured them a penalty, but the Scottish line speed was excellent and they forced another turnover. The ball was again moved wide and Harith skirted round the opposition for the second score and a 0-10 lead.
Scottish maintained good control for the rest of the half but were unable to add any points until the 32nd minute when a kick return was well used. Gavin, making his debut for the team in the back row, gave a perfectly timed pass to Gary, also on debut for the U17s, who fed Raph for his second score. Josh added the points for a 0-17 lead.
With the half nearly over, loose-head prop Doug was given the ball just outside the Scottish 22 and showed an impressive turn of speed and, after bumping off the penultimate defender, was only brought down on the Wasps 22. A bloody nose and sore “bits” for Doug, but well worth the petrol money!
Scottish were looking to utilise the strong wind in the second half but it was Wasps that made the better start and pressured the Scottish team for a good ten-minute spell. Having Iain in the sin bin for one too many offsides did not help, but with Wasps on the attack one poor pass led to the next score. The loose ball was picked up by Josh who then put Gary into space for the bonus point score under the posts.
The penultimate score came 10 minutes before the end of the game and it was a great kick return by full back Jack that set up the scoring opportunity. Raph finishing the move for his third score. Josh added the points for a 0-31 lead.
Wasps then suffered their own yellow card and the penalty was run by Scottish. The ball was moved left with Szymon to the fore and after quick ruck ball it was moved right allowing Robert to run a good line and touch down for the final score.
Well done to the whole squad on a hard fought and very well-deserved victory!
London Scottish U17's: Ethan, Max, Doug, Twananda, Ali, Stefano, Sam, Szymon, Jamie, Robert, Felix, Gavin, Jack, Josh, Iain, Gary, Liam, Raph, Harith.
