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The match on Saturday sees the fourth and final game against Moseley for the 2011/12 season. In the three proceeding games Scottish have gained the upper hand on each occasion. In the first game in early October played at the RAG, Scottish came out winners in a high scoring match 37 - 21. This victory saw Scottish record their 2nd win of the regular season. In the return match on Boxing Day at Billesley Common Scottish again came out the victors, winning the game 16 - 29 in a tough and physical encounter. With both sides finding themselves in Pool C after the regular season another two fixtures were on the cards. In the second scheduled fixture of the play offs, Scottish recorded their third consecutive victory over the West Midlands outfit in a much closer encounter, with Scottish just shaving it 23 -20. Given the recent narrow win over Moseley there is no doubt Moseley will clearly be up for the final game and believe they will finally overcome Scottish, especially since they secured their place in the Championship in their last match away at Esher when they recorded a comprehensive win taking the game 13 -25.
Moseley turned their season around in the play offs when they won their opening Pool C fixture against Plymouth 25 - 17, and then as previously mentioned lost at Scottish, however they then did the double over Esher which more or less condemned the Surrey side to relegation to National League One next season. In the first game against Esher, the match was very much on a knife edge in the first half until Moseley scored a try through second row David Lyons immediately before the break. Moseley then scored their third try just after the break to open up a 14 point lead and maintained their lead for the remainder of the match. In the return fixture with Esher, Moseley again took control of the match in the first half, taking a 5 - 20 lead into the second period and eventually ran out worthy winners 13 - 25. Given that Scottish have recorded three victories, it is clear that Moseley will certainly be looking to gain a win in their final game of the season against the Exiles. Scottish on the other hand will be playing with a strong passion and desire that will be reflected in their play as they battle to secure the points which guarantee their place in the Championship next season.
It would be a remiss of me not to send our congratulations from everyone at London Scottish to Edinburgh Rugby on their fantastic win over Toulouse last weekend. This was truly a shot in the arm for all followers of Scottish rugby as they became the first Scottish side to reach the semi-final stage of Europe's Premier cup competition. With the national side underperforming in the Six Nations competition, the performance of Edinburgh was certainly a boost to the game north of the border in front of a record crowd for a Heineken Cup quarter-final game. I am sure, should Edinburgh win in Dublin against Ulster and reach the final, there will be plenty of support for Edinburgh from the supporters of London Scottish as the final this season is being played up the road from the RAG at Twickenham. In addition to the game at Moseley on Saturday, London Scottish will be making a welcome return to the home of the seven a side game at Melrose. It is over twenty years since Scottish last competed in the Melrose 7s and this season sees the 50th anniversary of Scottish's first victory at the event, and it will be good opportunity to meet up again with those who came down for the British & Irish Cup fixture against Melrose last December.
With this being the last away fixture of the season all Scottish supporters are encouraged to make the journey to Moseley. The club are running a supporters coach to the game and anyone wishing to travel by coach should contact John Hewitt on HewJo6@aol.com to book your seat. For those driving and using SatNav they should enter the post code B13 0PT into their devices, which in theory should take you straight to the ground. For the non-techies they should either follow the M40 to M42, then South West to Junction 3 or the M1 to M6 then M42 SW to Junction 3. Then take the A435 towards Birmingham and after 1.5 miles go straight through the first roundabout. After another 2.5 miles at the roundabout with the large Sainsbury's, take the third exit towards Shirley & Solihull. After another 1 mile turn left opposite Peterbrook Primary School into Wood Road and continue across a large roundabout 3rd exit. You will then pass a bus garage on your left and cross a double-mini roundabout. After another half mile, cross two pedestrian crossings and turn left before the Health Centre onto Billesley Common.
Let's hear the Scottish roar from the sidelines on Saturday. C'mon the Scottish.