365 Sporting Days

Due to the less than clever fixture setting by the RFL I’ve missed a couple of London Skolars matches as they’ve clashed with London Broncos fixtures.  I can’t that it would’ve taken too much to make sure the fans of both clubs could support both.

I had a pretty grotty journey – I think may Satnav was having a bit of a laugh with me!  I went on a very convoluted route, it told me I wouldn’t arrive until half an hour into the game, yet I arrived just on time – phew!  I hate being late for the start of any game.

The season hadn’t been going well for either team, it was very much a bottom of the table clash.  Scholars had a solitary win from their 10 games, South Wales had played an extra games and travelled as the team who hadn’t managed a single win.

There was therefore a lot at stake for both teams, I’m not going to write a novel (no really I’m not) just a few facts about the game.

Skolars scored an early try through Aaron Small, after being awarded a 2nd set, the conversion was missed but it was a very promising start for the home team.

South Wales weren’t too far behind, a clever kick to the corner by Paul Emanuelli was leapt on by Yannic Parker in spite of the attentions of player/manager Jermaine Coleman.  The conversion was a tough one and missed.

Skolars made a great break with Aaron Small racing after a kick, he was prevented from getting up after the tackle.  I’d judge that a yellow card wouldn’t have been harsh, it was to all intents and purposes a professional foul.

The 2nd successive set saw James Anthony score a great try, Mike Bishay added the extras.  In what was a topsy turvy 1st half South Wales were next on the scoreboard.

After being held up over the line they scored after Jonny Leather ran through the Skolars defence, his pass to Dafydd Helland saw him literally stroll over the line.  Emanuelli converted to take the scores back to level.

I have to mention a really clever little dummy by Ryan Millington for South Wales – it didn’t ultimately come to anything but it was a joy to watch!

Skolars capitalised on another 2nd set just before half time, they worked the ball well, passing across the pitch to Chris Bishay, he went in to put his team ahead again.

The teams went in at the break with the score on London Skolars 14 South Wales Scorpions 10.

The second half was evenly matched for the 1st 22 minutes, with both teams going close, making errors and being penalised.  Oh and there was the odd handbag thrown too!

South Wales were the 1st to add to their tally,  Yannic Parker benefited after a kick through wasn’t dealt with by the Skolars defender, he pounced on the ball to score. Emanuelli’s kick was successful, South Wales were ahead for the 1st time in the game.

Skolars however regained the lead after a great high kick by Mike Bishay was dropped by the defender, Jermaine Coleman pounced on the ball to score under the posts.  Mike Bishay added the 2 Skolars were ahead by 4.

That lead swapped hands again after an error in dealing with a kick into the goal area, Tala Petelo made no mistake grounding the ball in some style.  Emanuelli again added the 2.

A narrow gap of 2 points could have seen either team victorious, but it was to be the visitors who went home happy as they extended their lead.  Ian Newbury scored in the corner, this time the conversion was missed.

In spite of their best efforts Skolars couldn’t close the gap – the score finished on London Skolars 20 South Wales Scorpions 26.  So, no 1st home win for Skolars, but a very precious 2 points for Mike Grady’s Scorpions!

Lots to learn for the Skolars, and hopefully the start of a better season for South Wales.  Hopefully that 1st home win for Skolars ins’t too far away.