After a thumping win on the road to ignite the London Scottish season, we sat down with Director of Rugby and new signing Harry Clayton ahead of the visit of Cornish Pirates this Saturday.
Director of Rugby, Bryan Redpath praised his side when he said “last week was pleasing, we got in there and finished off our chances, we’ve got to keep working hard at that.” Making the point that it was crucial for the Exiles to make the post of the territory and possession they’ve had in the first three rounds.
“There’s disappointment to lose two games this season but we’ve been in positions and created opportunities. The biggest takeaway is that we haven’t converted those chances, in any level of sport, if you can’t create pressure and then make the most of that pressure you are going to struggle.”
London Scottish made 11 entries to the 22 against Nottingham and only came away with the one score, whilst last weekend against Cambridge the Exiles has 6 entries to the 22 and scored three times off the back of it averaging over 3 points per entry. A clear improvement.
Harry Clayton joined the Club from Nottingham this summer, he spoke of settling into the Club, moving work down to London and getting to know the lads.
“It’s been great, a lot to get used, whether that’s travel or working in the city but it’s great to do that alongside the rugby. The squad has been great, we’ve had a couple of socials and long bus trips up to Caldy and back! There are a couple of familiar faces from my time up in Newcastle in Bailey [Ransom] and Tom Marshall.”
Looking ahead to Pirates this weekend, Harry Clayton is no stranger to the Cornish side from his time at Nottingham. “It’s all going to be around the physical battle and set piece. We’ve got to do our basics well but if we do that and get our game plan on the field we’ll be alright.”
To defeat Cornish Pirates, London Scottish will have to overcome a team that lead the way in post contact metres across the league underlying their physicality as a group. They are also a side that likes to kick a lot so the Scottish back three will have to be aware as fly half Daniel Hiscocks recorded the most kick metres (390m) in round 3.
The Exiles’ will continue to rely on their strong defence this season. London Scottish recorded the highest number of completed tackles and lead the league in tackle success rate so far this season. A strong defensive display will have to be in order to keep the Pirates at bay at the RAG!
