Apologies for this delayed match report for the combined Exiles’ game against London Scottish. Lending the hosts three players to make up the numbers, this Easter friendly, played on a sunny Sunday and on a fast pitch, was a great display of competitive Rugby.

This was quite the Try fest with the Exiles opening proceedings after two minutes with a pacey run from the backs rewarded with five points (0-5). A further seven points were added after seven minutes (0-12); and it started to look like the hosts were in for a long day. However, on the twenty-minute mark Scottish secured seven points of their own with a well-executed passage of play; after a period of penalties and line-outs on the Exiles’ 5 metre line.

This was a day for adventurous play and the first ten minutes of the second period saw four tries as both packs sought to execute an open expansive style of game. This is not to say that the defensive work was lacking, and in terms of endeavour and impact (especially on hard ground) the intensity of the competition was evident. Both teams enjoyed something of a purple patch over the twenty-minutes with a mix of breakout moves by the Backs and assertive Forwards’ pressure meaning that this period ended with the scores standing at 26-38.

The key moment of the third period was the not oft seen sight of a 25-metre run by a tight-head prop as the hosts scored, after six minutes of play, under the posts (33-38). This was getting tight. However final points went to the combined Exiles, again under the posts, and with the Try duly converted the game was ended (33-45).

Huge thanks to all involved for a great contest and we’d hope to get the opportunity to repeat next season.