Helping Scottish rugby on and off field
TOMORROW we face Doncaster Knights at the Richmond Athletic Ground (3pm kick-off) in what can only be described as a must win encounter.
We were very disappointed with the result against Cornish Pirates last weekend. I feel we were on the end of a backlash from the Pirates’ defeat in their previous game, ironically against Doncaster Knights. Doncaster played exceptionally well to beat them, and I think we bore the brunt of that result.
The beauty of the Championship is that it really feels like any team can beat another. We proved that ourselves by beating Rotherham earlier in the season, and other results across the league recently bear that out. We just have to make sure that when the music stops at the end of the season, we are in that all-important top eight position rather than in the relegation play-off pool, and I’m confident we can achieve that.
PARTY ATMOSPHERE
Away from 1st XV matters, I was delighted that London Scottish were able to host the Scottish Varsity game last week between Edinburgh and St Andrews Universities.
It was a great occasion, played in front of nearly 1,500 people. A strong Edinburgh side overcame St Andrews 39-0, and both teams played some excellent rugby, with St Andrews very unlucky not to get on the scoreboard. This was the first time the fixture had been played outside Scotland in its 150-plus year history. With notable figures present, including former British and Irish Lions Sir Ian McGeechan, Kenny Logan and Andy Irvine, the evening was a great success. Live music was provided and the party atmosphere went on long into the evening. It’s fantastic that we can show our support for Scottish rugby in ways such as this.
Another example is on our playing side. Jamie Sole recently joined us on a short term loan from Edinburgh Accies, and made his debut against the Pirates last weekend. He did well on his debut, and we are hoping for big things from him, both on the pitch and also in encouraging a greater number of young, talented Scottish players to make the move south and experience a higher standard of competition in the Championship.
Scottish player development has always been a key part of our goal here at London Scottish, and by fielding players such as Jamie, we hope it can prove to be a mutually beneficial arrangement.
Simon Amor is Head Coach at London Scottish. To buy tickets for tomorrow’s game, head to www.londonscottish.com