First of all I would like to wish everyone a Happy New Year, I didn’t think I would be saying this in my match notes for this game! But we are all aware of the damage the British weather has taken its toll on the pitches this month.

Back to league action this week after a hard fought game in the Cup.

The momentum of confidence is a key factor for any side striving for success. We should take plenty of the latter into today’s game after the physical and tactical performance of last week’s game against Manchester. The forwards dominated in all areas against a much bigger pack, the backs defended well all day, dominating the collisions and the half backs steered the ship extremely well.  

The coaching team will be looking for a similar performance today to start building the momentum for the remainder of the season.  

Whilst 22 of the squad went up to Manchester, 22 stayed behind to play Richmond 2XV. They had a slow start by all accounts, but soon found their feet, putting in a dominant performance to win the game by an impressive 36 points to 19.  

Enjoy the game.

London Scottish return to action after a Christmas break unexpectedly extended to four weeks due to fixture clashes and poor weather when they take on National League 1 opponents Manchester at Grove Park in Cheadle Hulme on Saturday, with a place in the last 16 at stake.

The two sides have experienced vastly contrasting fortunes in the season so far, with London Scottish undefeated and riding high in National League 3 South as they push for promotion, while Manchester have endured a wretched run of form that has left them with a solitary victory in 19 matches.

However, London Scottish head coach Brett Taylor believes that it is wrong to read too much into league form.