As the London Junior League enters its penultimate week, there were again some pleasing results across the board.
Paul Thorman’s U16s travelled to Richmond where they produced another “if only” performance to push the Warriors to within 4 points, eventually ending up with a 36-32 loss. Once again for the second week running the U16s came so close, but could just not get over the whitewash for that crucial winning score. The star of the show for the Skolars was fullback Jerome Yates who crossed for an outstanding 4 tries, he was ably assisted by centre Dillon Adabie who added 2 and second row Amir Neziraj who crossed for his first try of the season.
The U14s were at home for the second week running and this weeks opponents were Medway Dragons. With both teams jostling for a better position in the league to allow for a more favourable play-off draw the game was a crucial one and once again it did not disappoint, with the spoils eventually being shared between the two sides as the game ended 20-20. The smaller and more skillful Skolars were matched by the bigger and more physical Medway side. Coach Fred Pentecost was very happy with lots of aspects of the performance he commented – ‘there were some pleasing breaks from our speedsters out wide and some excellent punch from the forwards. The defensive line was marginally improved from last week and tackle technique and intensity was markedly improved.’ This result now puts the Skolars safely into the play offs with one game to spare. Now Pentecost will work hard on preparing his side for the lottery of knockout rugby, however everyone at the club is hopeful that this bunch of talented youngsters can bring some silverware back to New River.
The U12s had a somewhat disappointing week when they turned up to Staines Titans to learn that their opponents had only 5 players. After travelling all that way with a big squad, coach Ian Ackley was obviously keen to get the game on, and loaned the Titans 4 of his squads strongest players. With the result secured due to league regulations, it was an opportunity for the U12s to have a competitive game to again improve what they have worked on in training. The lads did just that and it was commendable the manner in which they approached the dead rubber of a game. With there still being a chance they could reach the play-offs attentions turn now to their long away trip to Sussex Merlins next weekend.
The Minis travelled down to the Stoop this weekend and again the Skolars were represented at U9s and U11s age groups with many of our youngest lads playing up an age group. Some close games all day meant that the Skolars kept the crowd entertained throughout. The group stages ended with a record of 2 losses and one win, and the Skolars faced a tough Southampton Spitfires side in the knockout stages of the competition unfortunately the days exertions in the heat had taken its toll on the young Skolars and they couldn’t repeat their form from the group games losing 2 tries to 1. Once again though it was great to see these youngsters show so much talent and enthusiasm for the game – they have one festival remaining now, in 2 weeks’ time, and will be hoping to round of the season in style.
The U19s were due to play this evening in a re-arranged fixture against Newham Dockers, however with Newham unable to travel this game is cancelled. This now confirms the Skolars as league winners and they go into the play-offs draw as the top placed team.
