6th  XV match reports

London Scottish 6ths 0 – Staines IV 45

Trys:  0

Cons: 0                                                   Pens:  0

Sin Bin: Mark Maidens

Team: 1 Mark Maidens ©, 2. Calum Button, 3.Gerald Maidens, 4. Rob Nearn, 5. David Boyle, 6. Mark Given, 7. Nick Harrison, 8. Tony Crittenden, 9. Paddy Radcliffe, 10. Grant Falconer, 11. Jason Yeomans, 12. Pat Singh, 13. Jules Liew, 14. Philip Fournier, 15 Duncan McDonald

Replacements: Adrian Harrington, Alistair Craig

Another disappointing result but a gutsy performance by Scottish against the odds. Lack of availability, transport issues and a well drilled Staines outfit contributed to our downfall. Good solid Scottish debuts by Pat Singh and Alistair Craig punctuated an improved backline display.

Scottish started strongly and were pressing hard for a try in the opening tem minutes. An unfortunate injury to Jules Liew led to Staines first try against the run of play. Staines scored another try shortly after, again against the run of play. This was the pattern for most of the first half with Scottish dominating up front and Staines capitalising on Scottih errors.

The second half was much better as confidence grew in the brand new combinations. Staines closed the game down by pleading with the ref to allow the scrums to go uncontested. This killed off the contest and Scottish came close to scoring on a few occasions close to the end of the match. Indiscipline and an unusual show of momentum and pace by the Scottish skipper led to a yellow card. The fourteen on the pitch showed great guts and commitment to keep on playing hard.

Overall, a disappointing result but with the show of courage, commitment, and the sheer will not to give up, the season has to turn at some point. Consistent selection and an increase in depth can only bode well for future games.

Mark Maidens