London Scottish Too Strong for Chess Valley u13s

Scottish are league leaders and expectations were high on both sides.

Interesting fact, if you put into your sat nav “TW9 2AS” rather than “TW9 2SS” you end up at London Welsh, several hundred yards down the road. They were hosting an excellent festival, but there was no time to dawdle, so on
we went to London Scottish.

We had a roving reporter with us today sending updates every few minutes to the parents who were unable to attend. So, rather than re-invent wheel, here’s how the mach progressed:

Good morning. The text update service is up and running.

It's half an hour to kick off and the squad have arrived bar the coach and several players who's satnav has apparently taken them via Mumbai.

The facilities here are fab. Filter coffee selection of condiments huge variety of pies pastries and treats. Our official food critic has considered, and finally pronounced it as best ever. Praise indeed!

Fifteen to go. Their backs look useful, forwards are on the other side of pitch and thus a bit tricky for parental failing eyes to see much.

Coach has arrived looking slightly sheepish. We have confirmed to their coaches that he is over age but will not be playing.

All set. About 50 spectators. It's tense...

First five frantic. Stopped one of their bigger players just short of line. Under pressure. Scottish run around front of line and over. Kick missed. 5-0

Chess in Scottish 22 for 5 mins. Knocked on twice over line but still there. Pressure staying on but their tackling good

Real too and fro. Both sides tackling ferociously. Our centres and wings are getting tackled on the break and we are doing the same. Scots break down flank. Winger in. Converted. 12-0.

Forced reshuffle Chess center line, missed tackle and Scottish drive through and over in corner. Not converted. 17-0. Half time.

It's close. Forwards are even and Scottish backs are well drilled and really quick.

Chess still look up for it though. To be honest it looks a big ask but not impossible. Chess need an early score desperately.

Restart. Scottish centre almost through again but tackled well. Scrum our 22. Chess drive, but ball turned over. Scottish drive in, but bundled into touch 3 yards short of Chess try line.

Chess knock on. Scrum 5. Huge drive from Chess to regain the ball. Scottish penalized, ball cleared to 22. Possession changes several time and then Scottish outside centre produces a stunning run and scores try - not
converted. Score 22-0.

Scottish are running hard and freely now but Chess still tackling strongly. London Scottish stopped in Chess 22, the ball is kicked to touch. Lineout on Chess’s 22. Ball won and Chess grind play to half way, but loose control. London Scottish slowly work it forwards play by play. Great rucking and retention. Fly half over under posts. Score 29-0. Missed conversion.

Too and fro again. Subs coming on as both sides work through their remaining players - 5 to go. It's over now but would be great to get at least 1 score. Heads not dropping.

Still a crunching game. 3 to go. Chess drive round the outside from 10 m line and in at the corner. Difficult conversion close but no. Score 29-5.

Chess drive hard from kick off, make 30 m then recycle. Full time.

Well deserved win by London Scottish, but Chess Valley boys played really well.

Heads held high. Great effort. 3rd in league with a cup final to go would have seemed unbelievable at the start of the season.

Signing off

Great game to watch, high levels of skill, committed teams and excellent rugby.

Congratulations to London Scottish on winning the League - well done and well deserved. We wish them well next season.

Onto the next game - friendly against Amersham and Chiltern to be played at the Guild and then we pause for breathe at Easter before one more league fixture and then the County Plate final.