The London Scottish under 12s got their championship campaign off to a winning start with two convincing performances against Pinner, and Haringey Rhinos on Sunday (November 17).
London Scottish had the honour to host the first of three championship triangular tournaments that are played during the season to determine which league they will play in as an under 13 side.
Coming up against Pinner and Haringey Rhinos was a bit of an unknown for the team, as we rarely get the chance to play them during a regular season so the run up to kick-off was a nervous time for all.
All that was dispelled though soon after the kick-off as the forwards working well as a unit provided a great platform for the backs to play some of their best rugby of the season.
The match against Pinner set a high standard, with lots of flowing moves to our wings, where we were playing some of our strongest runners who took full advantage, crossing the gain line and taking us deep into Pinners territory.
In the end the tries were shared between forwards and backs with Cameron bagging a hat-trick, Marcel a brace, and Charlie and Joe weighing in with one a piece.
Joe added six conversions as well.
For the Haringey Rhinos match, the team started a little more circumspect before regaining their composure and starting to apply the pressure.
Once again, the forwards set the platform and the backs showed what they could do with the ball in hand.
Cameron scored again and Thomas bagged a brace.
One memorable effort by Thomas saw him take the ball into a maul, work his way through to the other side, and then run 20 metres to score. No-one was going to stop him!
Marcel and Eli rounded off the tries scored with Joe adding three conversions before handing over to William who added a pair.
The final match was played between our visitors and saw Pinner run out 28-5 winners against Haringey Rhinos.
It was particularly pleasing for London Scottish to complete both games without conceding any points, and a testament to the tackling practice put in over the last few weeks.
All the team played well and had a great day and are now looking forward to the next round in a couple of weeks time.
The opposition then may well prove to be a little more troublesome as we come up against Hammersmith and Finchley.
But, with all to play for, the team are looking forward to it with keen anticipation.
Well played to all, and special thanks to Jean from the London Society of referees for refereeing all the matches today.
