Doncaster pulled off their second win in two weeks against London Skolars yesterday, in the return leg of their Northern Rail Cup match-up.
A full report is here.
London Skolars: (4) 22
Tries: Miller, Gibbons, Thorman, Kerr
Goals: Thorman 3
Doncaster: (18) 36
Tries: Brown 2, Cook, Lawton, Lawrie, Woods
Goals: Crook 6
Showing posts with label London Skolars. Show all posts
Showing posts with label London Skolars. Show all posts
Thursday, 21 February 2008
Monday, 11 February 2008
Skolars push Crusaders hard
London Skolars first home game of the Northern Rail Cup ended in defeat to last years National League Two champions Celtic Crusaders. The Skolars pushed the visitors hard, in a game that featured appearances from Quins RL players Dwayne Barker and Tony Clubb, both on a short-term loan arrangement between the London clubs.
A match report is here.
London Skolars: (4) 10
Tries: Nowland, Coleman
Goals: Thorman
Celtic Crusaders: (16) 26
Tries: Hannay 2, Quinn, James, Dyer
Goals: Quinn, Van Dijk 2
A match report is here.
London Skolars: (4) 10
Tries: Nowland, Coleman
Goals: Thorman
Celtic Crusaders: (16) 26
Tries: Hannay 2, Quinn, James, Dyer
Goals: Quinn, Van Dijk 2
Saturday, 2 February 2008
Skolars take a lesson from Dons
London Skolars opened their Northern Rail Cup campaign yesterday with a defeat away at fellow National League Two side Doncaster.
A match report can be found here.
Doncaster: (12) 32
Tries: Bauer, Hart, Benson 2, J Brown, Gale
Goals: Crook 3, Gale
London Skolars: (6) 10
Tries: Chan
Goals: Thorman
A match report can be found here.
Doncaster: (12) 32
Tries: Bauer, Hart, Benson 2, J Brown, Gale
Goals: Crook 3, Gale
London Skolars: (6) 10
Tries: Chan
Goals: Thorman
Thursday, 24 January 2008
Quins Capital Challenge performance deconstructed
The comfort with which Harlequins RL despatched neighbour London Skolars in Tuesday’s pre-season friendly at the Royal Artillery Gardens has raised the question of how prepared the side will be when the season proper kicks off against Wigan Warriors on February 9th.
Although the Quins will face a potentially tougher challenge against Celtic Crusaders, last season’s National League Two champions, in their final friendly on Saturday, many other top flight teams including Wigan will have match hardened themselves against fellow Super League outfits. The argument in favour of pre-season friendly games are that they allow coaches to test out player configurations in an environment similar, but not entirely the same, to fully competitive games, whilst players get to work on their match fitness after the winter layoff. The argument against are that valuable players are put at risk of injury for games that mean nothing in the scheme of things, as Bradford Bulls recently demonstrated. It is also true that injury risk can never be eliminated, it being common for them to occur in training, so a friendly game played with a lighter intensity than a full tie may be a rational compromise.
But what did Tuesday’s game tell us? The coaches will no doubt have been looking at the shape of the play, the movement of the sides both on and off the ball, the way different players linked up in particular combinations, and in particular the way new signings slotted in with those retained from last year. Brian McDermott has already gone on record as being pleased with retaining the core of last year’s squad, a move that will hopefully produce some positive consistency in performance (and may also have influenced the decision not to play pre-season games against Super League opposition), but there have been some important changes to the squad in the close season.
The key axis of Mark McLinden at fullback, Danny Orr at scrumhalf and Scott Hill at standoff functioned well, with a perceptible dip in the sharpness of the decision making when the trio were off the field. Hill in particular looked rejuvenated, suggesting that he has put behind him the injury and illness problems that marred his first season with the club and is now ready to fully inject his undoubted class into the side.
In the troublesome centre slot David Howell made an assured debut, with Matt Gafa now looking likely to fill the other centre position come the start of the season. However, youngster Tony Clubb reminded everyone of why he is knocking on the door of the first choice side with some powerful running. On the wings it looks likely that Rikki Sheriffe and Jon Wells will remain as first choices, but Will Sharp and Lamont Bryan (who interchanged with McLinden at fullback) are likely to keep them on their toes.
In the forwards Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook shifted from prop to second row, a not entirely unforeseen move give McDermott’s previous statements about better utilising the young forwards devastating burst of speed. New signing Danny Ward slogged away at prop, in a low key but solid performance. Joe Walsh also showed he is fully recovered from his injury problems with some barnstorming runs, and it looks only a matter of time before he forces his way into the reckoning.
With captain Rob Purdham and fellow regulars Karl Temata and Daniel Heckenberg missing, and new signing Gareth Haggerty still returning from injury it’s difficult to judge how the pack will line-up come the start of the season. However, a reasonable guess is that with all props fully fit Heckenberg will start alongside either Ward or Temata, with the one who misses out joining Haggerty on the bench. McCarthy-Scarsbrook is likely to start in the second-row, with Henry Paul and Rob Purdham completing the back three of the srum. No changes are anticipated at hooker, Chad Randall provides crisp distribution and reliable defence, whilst Julien Rinaldi offers extra attacking options coming off the interchange bench. The likes of Grayshon, Walsh, Joe Mbu and new boy Dwayne Barker are all likely to feature from the bench at some point.
Quins RL CEO Paul Brown has confirmed that the club is no longer in talks with the former Newcastle Knights utility Daniel Abraham. Although the number 12 jersey had been left open for Abraham he was unable to secure a work permit, having lost his first grade slot due to injury he was subsequently played in the reserve grade side on his return to fitness, scuppering any chance that he would meet the percentage of first grade games played needed.
The one key question yet to be answered is where Chris Melling is likely to feature on his return from a groin injury. Melling was one of the standout performers last season, shining at fullback in the absence of Mark McLinden, however he’s unlikely to displace McLinden and looked unconvincing when shifted to the centres. However such selection headaches are the kind McDermott would prefer to have, rather than selections forced by injury as was the case for sections of last term.
From the London Skolars point of view the game will have been a positive experience, despite failing to score the side did produce some good attacking rugby and remained competitive for the full eighty minutes despite the class gulf between themselves and their fulltime opponents. In particular Skolars looked strong down the right hand flank, whilst the technical execution of a number of set piece plays, including one particular scrum play which should have resulted in a try for Dene Miller, were very sharp. Given that the men from North London were unable to field as strong a squad as they would have liked they showed that they now have a strength and depth that was missing a couple of seasons ago. They will start this season’s National Rail Cup competition against Doncaster next week with a genuine hope that they can make an impact.
Although the Quins will face a potentially tougher challenge against Celtic Crusaders, last season’s National League Two champions, in their final friendly on Saturday, many other top flight teams including Wigan will have match hardened themselves against fellow Super League outfits. The argument in favour of pre-season friendly games are that they allow coaches to test out player configurations in an environment similar, but not entirely the same, to fully competitive games, whilst players get to work on their match fitness after the winter layoff. The argument against are that valuable players are put at risk of injury for games that mean nothing in the scheme of things, as Bradford Bulls recently demonstrated. It is also true that injury risk can never be eliminated, it being common for them to occur in training, so a friendly game played with a lighter intensity than a full tie may be a rational compromise.
But what did Tuesday’s game tell us? The coaches will no doubt have been looking at the shape of the play, the movement of the sides both on and off the ball, the way different players linked up in particular combinations, and in particular the way new signings slotted in with those retained from last year. Brian McDermott has already gone on record as being pleased with retaining the core of last year’s squad, a move that will hopefully produce some positive consistency in performance (and may also have influenced the decision not to play pre-season games against Super League opposition), but there have been some important changes to the squad in the close season.
The key axis of Mark McLinden at fullback, Danny Orr at scrumhalf and Scott Hill at standoff functioned well, with a perceptible dip in the sharpness of the decision making when the trio were off the field. Hill in particular looked rejuvenated, suggesting that he has put behind him the injury and illness problems that marred his first season with the club and is now ready to fully inject his undoubted class into the side.
In the troublesome centre slot David Howell made an assured debut, with Matt Gafa now looking likely to fill the other centre position come the start of the season. However, youngster Tony Clubb reminded everyone of why he is knocking on the door of the first choice side with some powerful running. On the wings it looks likely that Rikki Sheriffe and Jon Wells will remain as first choices, but Will Sharp and Lamont Bryan (who interchanged with McLinden at fullback) are likely to keep them on their toes.
In the forwards Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook shifted from prop to second row, a not entirely unforeseen move give McDermott’s previous statements about better utilising the young forwards devastating burst of speed. New signing Danny Ward slogged away at prop, in a low key but solid performance. Joe Walsh also showed he is fully recovered from his injury problems with some barnstorming runs, and it looks only a matter of time before he forces his way into the reckoning.
With captain Rob Purdham and fellow regulars Karl Temata and Daniel Heckenberg missing, and new signing Gareth Haggerty still returning from injury it’s difficult to judge how the pack will line-up come the start of the season. However, a reasonable guess is that with all props fully fit Heckenberg will start alongside either Ward or Temata, with the one who misses out joining Haggerty on the bench. McCarthy-Scarsbrook is likely to start in the second-row, with Henry Paul and Rob Purdham completing the back three of the srum. No changes are anticipated at hooker, Chad Randall provides crisp distribution and reliable defence, whilst Julien Rinaldi offers extra attacking options coming off the interchange bench. The likes of Grayshon, Walsh, Joe Mbu and new boy Dwayne Barker are all likely to feature from the bench at some point.
Quins RL CEO Paul Brown has confirmed that the club is no longer in talks with the former Newcastle Knights utility Daniel Abraham. Although the number 12 jersey had been left open for Abraham he was unable to secure a work permit, having lost his first grade slot due to injury he was subsequently played in the reserve grade side on his return to fitness, scuppering any chance that he would meet the percentage of first grade games played needed.
The one key question yet to be answered is where Chris Melling is likely to feature on his return from a groin injury. Melling was one of the standout performers last season, shining at fullback in the absence of Mark McLinden, however he’s unlikely to displace McLinden and looked unconvincing when shifted to the centres. However such selection headaches are the kind McDermott would prefer to have, rather than selections forced by injury as was the case for sections of last term.
From the London Skolars point of view the game will have been a positive experience, despite failing to score the side did produce some good attacking rugby and remained competitive for the full eighty minutes despite the class gulf between themselves and their fulltime opponents. In particular Skolars looked strong down the right hand flank, whilst the technical execution of a number of set piece plays, including one particular scrum play which should have resulted in a try for Dene Miller, were very sharp. Given that the men from North London were unable to field as strong a squad as they would have liked they showed that they now have a strength and depth that was missing a couple of seasons ago. They will start this season’s National Rail Cup competition against Doncaster next week with a genuine hope that they can make an impact.
* Photo reproduced by kind permission of Steph Kaye
Tuesday, 22 January 2008
Quins cruise to victory
Harlequins RL inflicted a 56 points to nil defeat on neighbours London Skolars this afternoon at the Royal Artillery Gardens, Moorgate. A sell out crowd, predominantly made up of local city workers, saw a strong Quins side dominate the annual pre-season London Club Challenge.
Both clubs fielded expanded sides, allowing the coaches to experiment with different combinations, both halves of the game featuring a short break after twenty minutes to allow reconfiguration of the line-ups.
As to be expected from the first pre-season game of the year early exchanges saw some rusty handling, but it took a rejuvenated Scott Hill just four minutes to bag the first try, with a jinking run flat footing the opposition defence. Three minutes later Jon Grayshon’s angled run hit a hole in the Skolars midfield, arcing round to go under the sticks for the second try. Henry Paul added both conversions and the signs looked ominous.
Ten minutes in debutant Quins centre David Howell crossed but was pulled back for a forward pass in the build-up. The respite was short lived when fullback Mark McLinden made a break down the left flank before putting in a smart chip kick behind the retreating Skolars defence, Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, operating out of the second-row, was quickest to the loose ball to collect his try.
A reshuffle of creative options saw Danny Orr, Hill and McLinden temporarily giving way to Julien Rinaldi, Michael Worrincy and academy halfback Dylan Skee. Although Quins continued to dominate the game there was a marked difference in the speed of decision-making, with the attacking patterns at times becoming over elaborate and lacking the directness and cutting edge of the first twenty.
Rinaldi was next to pick up a try, scooting from dummy half the ball was stripped from his grasp but bounced kindly allowing him to re-gather and scamper over the line. Skee took over the kicking duties from Paul to add the conversion.
Just after the half hour mark Skolars centre Dene Miller produced his side’s best chance, a well worked move from the back of the scrum saw him slice through the Quins defence, only to be called back by a harsh forward pass call.
Young Quins winger Will Sharp, recently promoted to the first team squad, piled on the agony for Skolars, coming in field to burrow his way over a minute shy of the break. Skee converted to close the first half at 30 – 0.
Quins returned from the break all guns blazing, centre Tony Clubb’s powerful run saw him cross for a try in the left hand corner, followed in quick succession by two almost identical tries from winger Rikki Sheriffe on the opposite side. Skee added two conversions from three attempts and it looked as if the floodgates had burst on the Skolars.
Goals: Paul 3, Skee 5
Both clubs fielded expanded sides, allowing the coaches to experiment with different combinations, both halves of the game featuring a short break after twenty minutes to allow reconfiguration of the line-ups.
As to be expected from the first pre-season game of the year early exchanges saw some rusty handling, but it took a rejuvenated Scott Hill just four minutes to bag the first try, with a jinking run flat footing the opposition defence. Three minutes later Jon Grayshon’s angled run hit a hole in the Skolars midfield, arcing round to go under the sticks for the second try. Henry Paul added both conversions and the signs looked ominous.
Ten minutes in debutant Quins centre David Howell crossed but was pulled back for a forward pass in the build-up. The respite was short lived when fullback Mark McLinden made a break down the left flank before putting in a smart chip kick behind the retreating Skolars defence, Louie McCarthy-Scarsbrook, operating out of the second-row, was quickest to the loose ball to collect his try.
A reshuffle of creative options saw Danny Orr, Hill and McLinden temporarily giving way to Julien Rinaldi, Michael Worrincy and academy halfback Dylan Skee. Although Quins continued to dominate the game there was a marked difference in the speed of decision-making, with the attacking patterns at times becoming over elaborate and lacking the directness and cutting edge of the first twenty.
Rinaldi was next to pick up a try, scooting from dummy half the ball was stripped from his grasp but bounced kindly allowing him to re-gather and scamper over the line. Skee took over the kicking duties from Paul to add the conversion.
Just after the half hour mark Skolars centre Dene Miller produced his side’s best chance, a well worked move from the back of the scrum saw him slice through the Quins defence, only to be called back by a harsh forward pass call.
Young Quins winger Will Sharp, recently promoted to the first team squad, piled on the agony for Skolars, coming in field to burrow his way over a minute shy of the break. Skee converted to close the first half at 30 – 0.
Quins returned from the break all guns blazing, centre Tony Clubb’s powerful run saw him cross for a try in the left hand corner, followed in quick succession by two almost identical tries from winger Rikki Sheriffe on the opposite side. Skee added two conversions from three attempts and it looked as if the floodgates had burst on the Skolars.
However, the National League Two side managed to compose themselves, putting in a solid defensive spell to shut out Quins for almost a quarter of an hour, till Orr’s lively performance was rewarded with a try on the hour mark.
At 50 – 0 it appeared the Skolars were dead and buried, but the final quarter saw Quins ease off allowing the North London side to produce some of their best attacking rugby of the afternoon. Unfortunately despite stepping up the tempo the Skolars lacked the cutting edge needed to breach the Quins parsimonious defence, several promising attacks breaking down on the final play. Ultimately the second half finished in the same fashion as the first with a ruthless late score from Quins, Dwayne Barker’s storming run connected with Worrincy’s deft flick pass to crash over just before the final hooter.
In the final analysis Quins simply had too much power and pace for their part-time neighbours, Skolars deserve full credit for maintaining the commitment to keep the tie competitive throughout and can feel very unlucky not to have put any points on the scoreboard.
The Quins coaching staff will be pleased to see the match pass off without any serious injuries, with debutants Barker, Howell and Ward all slotting in well. However, questions will be raised about whether today’s game and the friendly against Celtic Crusaders on Saturday will leave the side match hardened enough going into the season opener against Wigan on February 9th.
London Skolars: (0) 0
Tries:
Goals:
Harlequins RL: (30) 56
Tries: Hill, Grayshon, McCarthy-Scarsbrook, Rinaldi, Sharp, Clubb, Sheriffe 2, Orr,
Goals: Paul 3, Skee 5
* Photos reproduced by kind permission of Steph Kaye
Monday, 21 January 2008
Quins show Capital Challenge intent
Harlequins RL head coach Brian McDermott has named an almost full strength squad for tomorrow’s annual pre-season friendly against National League Two side London Skolars. In previous years the match has seen Quins field more speculative sides based around academy youngsters, fringe players and a few first team core players looking to develop match fitness after injury, but the indications are that McDermott will be looking to make full us of this match, the only full fledged trial scheduled before the season opening against Wigan Warriors on February 9th.
The main absentees from the Quins line-up are utility back Chris Melling who has suffered a reoccurrence of the groin injury that disrupted the later stages of last season, new signing Gareth Haggerty who is not yet match fit following a shoulder injury and fringe player David Tootill who is recovering from a knee reconstruction. Fans will however get a chance to see some rising stars from the senior academy set-up, including Lamont Bryan and Will Sharp who have been promoted to the first team squad for 2008.
The Skolars have yet to name a squad for the match, but will be looking to raise a credible challenge to a side sitting two leagues above them. The North London based side recorded their best ever season in 2007, ironically under the guidance of Latham Tawhai who has since crossed London to join Quins as an assistant to Brian McDermott. New head coach Tony Benson will be hoping his charges can pick up where they left off last season, with a strong performance against Quins providing a launch pad into their forthcoming Northern Rail Cup campaign.
Both clubs hope to use the event as a springboard for attracting corporate sponsorships, with Quins in particular yet to confirm a main sponsor for the new Super League season, and last season’s sponsor Sports Cafe have recently entered administration. Both the timing and venue of the match, a lunch time kick off at Moorgate’s Royal Artillery Gardens, are aimed squarely at the many financial institutions close by. Sponsorship for the game itself has already been attracted from a number of finance sector companies, who will be hosting investor seminars before the game. Tellingly all corporate hospitality for the event sold out well before the general match tickets.
The main absentees from the Quins line-up are utility back Chris Melling who has suffered a reoccurrence of the groin injury that disrupted the later stages of last season, new signing Gareth Haggerty who is not yet match fit following a shoulder injury and fringe player David Tootill who is recovering from a knee reconstruction. Fans will however get a chance to see some rising stars from the senior academy set-up, including Lamont Bryan and Will Sharp who have been promoted to the first team squad for 2008.
The Skolars have yet to name a squad for the match, but will be looking to raise a credible challenge to a side sitting two leagues above them. The North London based side recorded their best ever season in 2007, ironically under the guidance of Latham Tawhai who has since crossed London to join Quins as an assistant to Brian McDermott. New head coach Tony Benson will be hoping his charges can pick up where they left off last season, with a strong performance against Quins providing a launch pad into their forthcoming Northern Rail Cup campaign.
Both clubs hope to use the event as a springboard for attracting corporate sponsorships, with Quins in particular yet to confirm a main sponsor for the new Super League season, and last season’s sponsor Sports Cafe have recently entered administration. Both the timing and venue of the match, a lunch time kick off at Moorgate’s Royal Artillery Gardens, are aimed squarely at the many financial institutions close by. Sponsorship for the game itself has already been attracted from a number of finance sector companies, who will be hosting investor seminars before the game. Tellingly all corporate hospitality for the event sold out well before the general match tickets.
Wednesday, 9 January 2008
Harlequins RL December round-up
The off-field progress made by the club in November continued through into the final month of the year with Paul Brown formally taking the reigns as CEO (although his influence could already be detected behind the scenes).
The family fun day aimed at building ties with the local community was positively received, whilst Brown made a solid start on reconnecting the club with the views of supporters via the first in a planned series of fans forums. The club acknowledged the challenges faced in the coming season; building up poor attendances, squad development, the demands of the licensing process as well as many other issues, outlining where progress was being made and where improvement is needed.
In on-field matters Brian McDermott moved to strengthen the squad with the addition of Canberra Raiders centre David Howell, whilst it was acknowledged that the club was in talks with another player, though to be former Newcastle Knight utility Daniel Abraham. Whilst throughout the month the academy set-up ran a series of recruitment trials at the Roehampton Vale training ground.
Details of the annual pre-season friendly against London Skolars were announced, with the two clubs taking the bold move to switch the game to a midweek afternoon slot close to the City of London in the hope of attracting corporate sponsors. Season ticket holders also found their packs dropping through letterboxes at the close of the month, a positive sign that the often maligned ticketing process is making progress.
The family fun day aimed at building ties with the local community was positively received, whilst Brown made a solid start on reconnecting the club with the views of supporters via the first in a planned series of fans forums. The club acknowledged the challenges faced in the coming season; building up poor attendances, squad development, the demands of the licensing process as well as many other issues, outlining where progress was being made and where improvement is needed.
In on-field matters Brian McDermott moved to strengthen the squad with the addition of Canberra Raiders centre David Howell, whilst it was acknowledged that the club was in talks with another player, though to be former Newcastle Knight utility Daniel Abraham. Whilst throughout the month the academy set-up ran a series of recruitment trials at the Roehampton Vale training ground.
Details of the annual pre-season friendly against London Skolars were announced, with the two clubs taking the bold move to switch the game to a midweek afternoon slot close to the City of London in the hope of attracting corporate sponsors. Season ticket holders also found their packs dropping through letterboxes at the close of the month, a positive sign that the often maligned ticketing process is making progress.
Thursday, 13 December 2007
London Club Challenge details unveiled
The details of this year’s London Club Challenge between Harlequins RL and London Skolars have been confirmed, with kick off at 1pm on Tuesday 22nd January, at the Artillery Garden, Moorgate.
Fears that the event would be a corporate only affair have proved groundless as all three hundred tickets have gone on sale at just £10 each, with corporate hospitality available as an optional extra. A stellar line up of sponsors have been announced with ETF Securities Ltd, Selftrade, Flow Traders and the London Stock Exchange all putting their name to the game.
Quins have also announced a second friendly fixture four days later away at Bridgend based Celtic Crusaders. However, the game to kick of at 5.30pm at Brewery Field, has raised eyebrows due to the decision to play four 15 minute quarters. In theory the structure will allow the coaching staff of both clubs room to experiment with their line-ups whilst maximising intensity, but there is considerable scepticism about whether such experimentation will turn the game into little more than a convoluted training exercise.
Tickets details for the game between Quins and Skolars can be found here. Details of the game between Quins and Crusaders here.
Fears that the event would be a corporate only affair have proved groundless as all three hundred tickets have gone on sale at just £10 each, with corporate hospitality available as an optional extra. A stellar line up of sponsors have been announced with ETF Securities Ltd, Selftrade, Flow Traders and the London Stock Exchange all putting their name to the game.
Quins have also announced a second friendly fixture four days later away at Bridgend based Celtic Crusaders. However, the game to kick of at 5.30pm at Brewery Field, has raised eyebrows due to the decision to play four 15 minute quarters. In theory the structure will allow the coaching staff of both clubs room to experiment with their line-ups whilst maximising intensity, but there is considerable scepticism about whether such experimentation will turn the game into little more than a convoluted training exercise.
Tickets details for the game between Quins and Skolars can be found here. Details of the game between Quins and Crusaders here.
Monday, 10 December 2007
2008 London Club Challenge gamble
The organisers of the traditional pre-season trial game between London Skolars and Harlequins RL are reported to be switching the game away from its traditional late January weekend slot at New River to a corporate focused event played on the afternoon of Tuesday 22nd January at the Honourable Artillery Company ground near Moorgate.
Initial indications are that tickets for the match will be restricted to three hundred people at £55 per person including some form of corporate hospitality. The hope behind the move is that it will introduce potential corporate supporters to both clubs, which in turn will produce a much needed influx of capital into rugby league in London. The danger, however, is that the game may fail to sell, leaving the clubs out of pocket and existing supporters alienated by the exclusivity of the pricing policy.
It will be interesting to see the makeup of any potential Quins side; recent years have seen a line up based largely around academy and fringe first team players allowing a more competitive friendly than would be expected from a straight clash between a professional Super League club and a semi-professional National League Two outfit. Creating any new corporate event is likely to be a challenge, creating one around a match that has traditionally been little more than a training exercise is likely to be even harder.
As by far the smaller of the two clubs London Skolars arguably have the most to lose from the event failing, a home game against Super League opposition early in the year usually attracts a decent crowd by regular season standards and with it a much needed cash boost. An expensive corporate event would need to deliver sufficient ticket sales to cover costs as once tickets have gone on sale any cancellation would leave both clubs looking very shoddy to the investors they are desperate to attract. If however just one significant investor were to come forward from the event then any short-term loss would be mitigated by the long-term benefit.
Initial indications are that tickets for the match will be restricted to three hundred people at £55 per person including some form of corporate hospitality. The hope behind the move is that it will introduce potential corporate supporters to both clubs, which in turn will produce a much needed influx of capital into rugby league in London. The danger, however, is that the game may fail to sell, leaving the clubs out of pocket and existing supporters alienated by the exclusivity of the pricing policy.
It will be interesting to see the makeup of any potential Quins side; recent years have seen a line up based largely around academy and fringe first team players allowing a more competitive friendly than would be expected from a straight clash between a professional Super League club and a semi-professional National League Two outfit. Creating any new corporate event is likely to be a challenge, creating one around a match that has traditionally been little more than a training exercise is likely to be even harder.
As by far the smaller of the two clubs London Skolars arguably have the most to lose from the event failing, a home game against Super League opposition early in the year usually attracts a decent crowd by regular season standards and with it a much needed cash boost. An expensive corporate event would need to deliver sufficient ticket sales to cover costs as once tickets have gone on sale any cancellation would leave both clubs looking very shoddy to the investors they are desperate to attract. If however just one significant investor were to come forward from the event then any short-term loss would be mitigated by the long-term benefit.
Sunday, 9 December 2007
Harlequins RL ease recruitment worries
The club moved to ease concerns over the lack of depth in the back division by signing Canberra Raiders player David Howell. Powerfully built, twenty-four year old Howell can cover the wing and fullback positions, but is most likely to fill the centre slot vacated by the departed Paul Sykes. His arrival will also hopefully provide the club with breathing space to nurture home grown youngster Tony Clubb as a long-term first team centre.
Howell joins the club amongst mixed signals over his commitment and desire to play in the UK. He is understood to be disappointed not to feature in Canberra’s plans and hopes to return to the NRL after his spell in London. Quins fans are unlikely be too perturbed about such a prospect as any return to the NRL would require Howell to demonstrate some fine form over the next two seasons.
The former St George-Illawarra junior found limited opportunities at the Dragons where he was behind Kangaroo centres Mark Gasnier and Matt Cooper seeing him switch to the Raiders in 2005. He played forty-eight first grade games during his time in the Australian capital, but after two seasons as a first choice player his appearances were restricted by injuries in 2007. He comes to Quins with a reputation as a solid performer who is prone to unfortunate errors under pressure. However Quins fans will give him the benefit of the doubt given the club’s past reputation for picking up unheralded signings who prove themselves to be inspired choices.
In other news London Skolars head coach Latham Tawhai will be making the trip across the capital to join Brian McDermott’s backroom staff as an assistant coach. Kiwi Tawhai, a former journeyman in the lower leagues, led the Skolars to their best ever standing last season and will link up with Bill Peden and Rob Powell to form one of the brightest young coaching teams in the Super League. He will be replaced at New River by former Leigh boss and fellow New Zealander Tony Benson.
Howell joins the club amongst mixed signals over his commitment and desire to play in the UK. He is understood to be disappointed not to feature in Canberra’s plans and hopes to return to the NRL after his spell in London. Quins fans are unlikely be too perturbed about such a prospect as any return to the NRL would require Howell to demonstrate some fine form over the next two seasons.
The former St George-Illawarra junior found limited opportunities at the Dragons where he was behind Kangaroo centres Mark Gasnier and Matt Cooper seeing him switch to the Raiders in 2005. He played forty-eight first grade games during his time in the Australian capital, but after two seasons as a first choice player his appearances were restricted by injuries in 2007. He comes to Quins with a reputation as a solid performer who is prone to unfortunate errors under pressure. However Quins fans will give him the benefit of the doubt given the club’s past reputation for picking up unheralded signings who prove themselves to be inspired choices.
In other news London Skolars head coach Latham Tawhai will be making the trip across the capital to join Brian McDermott’s backroom staff as an assistant coach. Kiwi Tawhai, a former journeyman in the lower leagues, led the Skolars to their best ever standing last season and will link up with Bill Peden and Rob Powell to form one of the brightest young coaching teams in the Super League. He will be replaced at New River by former Leigh boss and fellow New Zealander Tony Benson.
Monday, 10 September 2007
Skolars breakthrough season ends on low note
London Skolars ended what has been a breakthrough season with a narrow defeat away at Oldham. Despite the defeat the season saw the north London based outfit finish in their highest ever position, with a record eight wins in the National League Two competition.
A match report is here.
Oldham: (22) 28
Tries: Ford 2, Morton, Hoyle, Hodson
Goals: Morton 4
London Skolars: (6) 26
Tries: Tozer, Maitua, Simms 2, Nowland
Goals: Thorman 3
A match report is here.
Oldham: (22) 28
Tries: Ford 2, Morton, Hoyle, Hodson
Goals: Morton 4
London Skolars: (6) 26
Tries: Tozer, Maitua, Simms 2, Nowland
Goals: Thorman 3
Saturday, 25 August 2007
Skolars playoff dream ends
A New River crowd boosted by visitors in town for the Challenge Cup Final saw London Skolars fall to a disappointing defeat against playoff rivals York City Knights last night. The defeat ends the Skolars chances of making the National League Two playoffs.
A match report is here.
London Skolars: (0) 0
Tries:
Goals:
York: (16) 34
Lowe 3, Sullivan, Godfrey
Goals: McDonald, Liddell, Esders 5
A match report is here.
London Skolars: (0) 0
Tries:
Goals:
York: (16) 34
Lowe 3, Sullivan, Godfrey
Goals: McDonald, Liddell, Esders 5
Friday, 24 August 2007
Skolars kick-off weekend of rugby league
London Skolars this evening look to kick-off a weekend of rugby league in London when they take on York at New River this evening. The Skolars who have been in a rich vein of form lately will be looking to take the points needed to keep alive their National League Two playoff hopes.
Whilst attention may be diverted away from New River tomorrow for the showpiece Challenge Cup Final Sunday will see the return of the annual Middlesex 9s competition, complete with real ale festival.
For more information about tonight’s match, or the Middlesex 9s, click here.
Whilst attention may be diverted away from New River tomorrow for the showpiece Challenge Cup Final Sunday will see the return of the annual Middlesex 9s competition, complete with real ale festival.
For more information about tonight’s match, or the Middlesex 9s, click here.
Monday, 20 August 2007
Skolars boost playoff hopes in Blackpool
London Skolars boosted their National League Two playoff hopes with a win away at Blackpool Panthers yesterday. The side’s eighth win of the season leaves them in seventh place on the ladder, just one point behind York.
The win caps a remarkable run of eight victories in eleven games since the beginning of July, following a difficult start to the season.
Blackpool Panthers: (4) 20
Tries: Sloman, Stoute 3
Goals: Gambles 2
London Skolars: (22) 34
Tries: Hodgkinson, Barker, Thorman, Shears, Louw, Aggrey
Goals: Thorman 5
Sunday, 12 August 2007
Storm blow away Skolars in semi-final
A game of two very different halves saw South London Storm blow away London Skolars II yesterday at Storm Park to book a place in the RLC Premier South final next weekend against St Albans Centurions. A brutal and at times bad tempered game saw the Skolars lack of discipline ultimately cost them the game.
Skolars took an early lead after five minutes when the left wing found himself in space following a poor clearing kick from the Storm. The Storm fullback did well to slowdown the break but was unable to complete the tackle allowing the winger to get up and complete his run into the corner.
It took just three minutes for the Storm to level the scores with Ollie Bloom powering his way over in the opposite corner following a well worked move that saw the ball moved quickly through a series of hands open up a hole in the Skolars defence. Five minutes later Skolars almost regained the lead when a touchdown under the Storm posts from the loose forward was ruled out for a double movement.
It was at this stage of the game that the Skolars discipline started to put them under pressure with a succession of penalties for high shots, flops and niggling play. A quick tap penalty from Storm skipper Al Emerson on eighteen minutes put them back in front, the conversion from Darren Bartley making the score 10 – 4. Minutes later the referees patience with the Skolars underhand tactics finally broke with Todd Egan binned for deliberately interfering at the play the ball. Bartley took almost immediate advantage of the man short in defence to make it 14 – 4.
In the closing ten minutes of the half it looked like the Skolars were finally starting to get their act together, forcing several repeat sets of possession from which they clawed their way back into the game, with two tries and a conversion levelling the scores at 14 a piece. An injury to a Storm player saw the game stopped for several minutes, and when play resumed it was the Skolars who again applied the pressure forcing a knock on just five metres out from the Storm line which gave them the platform to seize a 14 - 18 lead.
The defining moment of the game came as the first half entered a period of injury time; an instinctive trip from Skolars player David Afreh after he was stepped by a Storm player resulted in an instant dismissal. Storm loose forward Mickey Walker crashed over from the penalty and Bartley’s conversion saw the home side head into the break with a 20 – 14 advantage.
The result of Afreh’s dismissal became obvious in the second half as the twelve men of Skolars ran out of steam in the baking afternoon heat. Walker’s forty-fifth minute try effectively sealed the game, as the Skolars lost their composure and stepped up their roughhouse tactics, which only put them under further pressure from the resulting penalties. Four further tries from the Storm followed as the Skolars defence increasingly struggled to fill the holes and the home side exploited the extra space with testing kicks. The Skolars did manage a late consolation try on the stroke of fulltime to leave the final scores at 48 – 24, but it did little to offset the comprehensiveness off the defeat.
Storm are likely to face a much tougher test against minor premiers St Albans when they meet at The Stoop in the curtain raiser to Harlequins RL game against Wigan Warriors. South London fans can take advantage of a special discount offer to see both games by calling Laura Harrison at Quins RL on 020 8410 6098 and quoting "Storm".
South London Storm: (20) 48
London Skolars II: (18) 24
Skolars took an early lead after five minutes when the left wing found himself in space following a poor clearing kick from the Storm. The Storm fullback did well to slowdown the break but was unable to complete the tackle allowing the winger to get up and complete his run into the corner.
It took just three minutes for the Storm to level the scores with Ollie Bloom powering his way over in the opposite corner following a well worked move that saw the ball moved quickly through a series of hands open up a hole in the Skolars defence. Five minutes later Skolars almost regained the lead when a touchdown under the Storm posts from the loose forward was ruled out for a double movement.
It was at this stage of the game that the Skolars discipline started to put them under pressure with a succession of penalties for high shots, flops and niggling play. A quick tap penalty from Storm skipper Al Emerson on eighteen minutes put them back in front, the conversion from Darren Bartley making the score 10 – 4. Minutes later the referees patience with the Skolars underhand tactics finally broke with Todd Egan binned for deliberately interfering at the play the ball. Bartley took almost immediate advantage of the man short in defence to make it 14 – 4.
In the closing ten minutes of the half it looked like the Skolars were finally starting to get their act together, forcing several repeat sets of possession from which they clawed their way back into the game, with two tries and a conversion levelling the scores at 14 a piece. An injury to a Storm player saw the game stopped for several minutes, and when play resumed it was the Skolars who again applied the pressure forcing a knock on just five metres out from the Storm line which gave them the platform to seize a 14 - 18 lead.
The defining moment of the game came as the first half entered a period of injury time; an instinctive trip from Skolars player David Afreh after he was stepped by a Storm player resulted in an instant dismissal. Storm loose forward Mickey Walker crashed over from the penalty and Bartley’s conversion saw the home side head into the break with a 20 – 14 advantage.
The result of Afreh’s dismissal became obvious in the second half as the twelve men of Skolars ran out of steam in the baking afternoon heat. Walker’s forty-fifth minute try effectively sealed the game, as the Skolars lost their composure and stepped up their roughhouse tactics, which only put them under further pressure from the resulting penalties. Four further tries from the Storm followed as the Skolars defence increasingly struggled to fill the holes and the home side exploited the extra space with testing kicks. The Skolars did manage a late consolation try on the stroke of fulltime to leave the final scores at 48 – 24, but it did little to offset the comprehensiveness off the defeat.
Storm are likely to face a much tougher test against minor premiers St Albans when they meet at The Stoop in the curtain raiser to Harlequins RL game against Wigan Warriors. South London fans can take advantage of a special discount offer to see both games by calling Laura Harrison at Quins RL on 020 8410 6098 and quoting "Storm".
South London Storm: (20) 48
London Skolars II: (18) 24
Skolars outclass Thunder at Finchley
London Skolars completed a league double over Gateshead Thunder yesterday, with a 32 – 12 win at Finchley Rugby Club to keep alive their National League Two playoff hopes. The north London based club were forced to play the game away form their usual home at New River Stadium due to an athletics meet but put the hindrance behind them to get the result that leaves them just outside the top six.
A full match report will appear here.
London Skolars: (6) 32
Tries: Aggrey, Shears, Tozer, Lynton, Simms
Goals: Thorman 6
Gateshead Thunder: (8) 12
Tries: Stephenson 2, Peers
A full match report will appear here.
London Skolars: (6) 32
Tries: Aggrey, Shears, Tozer, Lynton, Simms
Goals: Thorman 6
Gateshead Thunder: (8) 12
Tries: Stephenson 2, Peers
Wednesday, 8 August 2007
Storm awaits Skolars
The results of last weekend’s RLC Premier games between South London Storm and Kingston Warriors (see here for report) and Kent Ravens and London Skolars II saw the Strom confirm home advantage for this weekend’s semi-final clash with Skolars.
Reigning RLC champions South London Storm are likely to be marginal favourites for the game given home advantage, but only finished above Skolars on points difference in the regular rounds. The Storm have found life harder in this year’s competition following their all conquering run in 2006, the departure of head coach to Rob Powell to the assistant coach position at Harlequins RL and the loss of several influential players including Tani Kingi, Mark Nesbitt, Andy Hames and Todd Brandon, weakening the side.
In contrast to the Storm’s own internal challenges 2007 also proved to be a landmark year in competitiveness of the RLC Premier South, with the decision of St Albans Centurions to drop down from last season’s National League Three competition giving the division a new powerhouse club.
London Skolars II, who previously competed as the Skolars development side under the moniker Haringey Hornets, also seem to have benefited from closer links to their senior side. Many of the players currently playing in the RLC Premier side have significant experience playing and National League Two level.
Storm vs Skolars will kick-off at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday 11th at Storm Park, Thornton Heath, see here for more details.
Reigning RLC champions South London Storm are likely to be marginal favourites for the game given home advantage, but only finished above Skolars on points difference in the regular rounds. The Storm have found life harder in this year’s competition following their all conquering run in 2006, the departure of head coach to Rob Powell to the assistant coach position at Harlequins RL and the loss of several influential players including Tani Kingi, Mark Nesbitt, Andy Hames and Todd Brandon, weakening the side.
In contrast to the Storm’s own internal challenges 2007 also proved to be a landmark year in competitiveness of the RLC Premier South, with the decision of St Albans Centurions to drop down from last season’s National League Three competition giving the division a new powerhouse club.
London Skolars II, who previously competed as the Skolars development side under the moniker Haringey Hornets, also seem to have benefited from closer links to their senior side. Many of the players currently playing in the RLC Premier side have significant experience playing and National League Two level.
Storm vs Skolars will kick-off at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday 11th at Storm Park, Thornton Heath, see here for more details.
Tuesday, 7 August 2007
London Skolars clash moved
London Skolars National League Two home game against Gateshead Thunder this coming Saturday has been switched to Finchley Rugby Club to accommodate an athletics meeting at usual home New River Stadium.
More information can be found here.
More information can be found here.
Monday, 6 August 2007
Skolars swoop on Hawks
London Skolars continued their recent run of good form with a 6 – 32 away win at Hunslet Hawks yesterday. The victory keeps alive their slim hopes of achieving a playoff spot, although realistically their slow start to the season makes such a prospect unlikely.
A match report can be found here.
Hunslet Hawks: (6) 6
Tries: Bravo
Goals: Robinson
London Skolars: (10) 32
Tries: Nowland 3, Hodgkinson, Webster
Goals: Thorman 5, Lynton
A match report can be found here.
Hunslet Hawks: (6) 6
Tries: Bravo
Goals: Robinson
London Skolars: (10) 32
Tries: Nowland 3, Hodgkinson, Webster
Goals: Thorman 5, Lynton
Saturday, 4 August 2007
Skolars win but fail to spoil Ravens party
A party atmosphere descended on Princes Park, Dartford, last night as the Kent Ravens Rugby League team made their inaugural appearance at the new state of the art stadium. A crowd of around 500 were entertained by a full-blooded and at times frenetic Rugby League Conference Premier clash between the Ravens and visitors London Skolars.
The nerves of the Ravens players were palpable as the opening kick sailed out on the full and the Skolars used the resulting penalty to put them under early pressure. The Skolars almost capitalised immediately with the standoff’s clever dinking kick along the ground into the corner proving just too deep for the impressive speedster on the right wing.
The Ravens then took their chance to attack and a scoot from the play the ball by the fullback caught out the Skolars defence who resorted to giving away a penalty for holding down. The Kent side built on the possession to work the ball across the field, with forward Steve Scanlan showing great strength to bulldoze over the line and write a little piece of history with the first try at Princes Park four minutes in to the game. The Ravens lead lasted just three minutes, the Skolars right winger finding a gap out wide with his own scooting run into the corner to level the scores.
It was twenty minutes before the next score was to arrive, the Skolars kept the ball alive with some ambitious offloads which saw them eventually crash over close to the sticks. Skipper Kurt Pittman added the conversion to give his side a 6-point lead. This was the sign that the men from New River were to hit their first purple patch of the game, two minutes later a break and clever pass from the standoff found the fullback running an intelligent line to touch down beneath the sticks. A brave rally from the Ravens required some gutsy try line defence to deny them before the Skolars pulled out a long range move down the left hand touchline to find themselves under the sticks again.
The closing ten minutes of the first-half were to be a showcase for the Skolars right centre-wing partnership, first a break down the right hand flank saw the winger push the ball back inside as he was dragged into touch to put his centre in, then three minutes later the centre reciprocated with a long looping pass to send his winger into the corner following a well worked move orchestrated by the scrumhalf.
Despite some tired the legs, the Ravens remained committed and their persistence was rewarded with a second try when Daniel Smart smashed his way over on thirty nine minutes, with Thomas Claridge adding on the conversion to send the sides in to the break at 10 – 30.
The first five minutes of the second half saw both teams step up in attack, with both bombing gilt-edged chances with dropped balls under the challenge of some brutal, bone crunching defence. However, it took just eight minutes before the Skolars right centre found a way through some flat defence to stride away into the corner for the first try of the second half.
The Ravens again rallied and put the visitors under the most concerted period of pressure in the whole game. The home sides won themselves a series of back to back sets via a goal line dropout and a penalty for holding down, but despite being virtually camped on the opposition line they could find no way through. At times the scenes were almost slapstick as the Skolars defenders hurled themselves in front of the Ravens juggernaut in desperate, last ditch attempts to hold the line.
The Skolars finally broke the Ravens resolve on the hour mark, a solid set of six in attack punched them down the field and a drive over from close range extended the lead to 10 – 38. A minute later the standoff latched on to an offload thirty metres out to jink his way over and the floodgates had opened as the Skolars entered their second purple patch of the game. Three more tries followed in close succession as the visitors took advantage of some tiring defence on the Ravens left hand flank, before the right wing broke on the opposite side to feed the fullback for the final try on seventy five minutes.
To their credit the Ravens refused to let their heads go down and continued to take the fight to the Skolars to the very end, earning a standing ovation off the field from the vociferous partisan crowd. Ultimately it was the greater experience of the Skolars, many with experience in National League Two, which made the difference. The Skolars were quicker to get the second and third man to the tackle, showed more awareness in their support running and slicker handling of the ball in particular the crisp distribution of hooker Kurt Pittman from the play the ball.
Kent Ravens have come along way in the last three years and despite what the score line may suggest the side have great potential that will develop as they progress along their own learning curve. In Princes Park the Ravens have a stadium to be proud of and in Kent Ravens the town of Dartford has a rugby league side to be proud of.
Kent Ravens: (10) 10
London Skolars: (30) 68
The nerves of the Ravens players were palpable as the opening kick sailed out on the full and the Skolars used the resulting penalty to put them under early pressure. The Skolars almost capitalised immediately with the standoff’s clever dinking kick along the ground into the corner proving just too deep for the impressive speedster on the right wing.
The Ravens then took their chance to attack and a scoot from the play the ball by the fullback caught out the Skolars defence who resorted to giving away a penalty for holding down. The Kent side built on the possession to work the ball across the field, with forward Steve Scanlan showing great strength to bulldoze over the line and write a little piece of history with the first try at Princes Park four minutes in to the game. The Ravens lead lasted just three minutes, the Skolars right winger finding a gap out wide with his own scooting run into the corner to level the scores.
It was twenty minutes before the next score was to arrive, the Skolars kept the ball alive with some ambitious offloads which saw them eventually crash over close to the sticks. Skipper Kurt Pittman added the conversion to give his side a 6-point lead. This was the sign that the men from New River were to hit their first purple patch of the game, two minutes later a break and clever pass from the standoff found the fullback running an intelligent line to touch down beneath the sticks. A brave rally from the Ravens required some gutsy try line defence to deny them before the Skolars pulled out a long range move down the left hand touchline to find themselves under the sticks again.
The closing ten minutes of the first-half were to be a showcase for the Skolars right centre-wing partnership, first a break down the right hand flank saw the winger push the ball back inside as he was dragged into touch to put his centre in, then three minutes later the centre reciprocated with a long looping pass to send his winger into the corner following a well worked move orchestrated by the scrumhalf.
Despite some tired the legs, the Ravens remained committed and their persistence was rewarded with a second try when Daniel Smart smashed his way over on thirty nine minutes, with Thomas Claridge adding on the conversion to send the sides in to the break at 10 – 30.
The first five minutes of the second half saw both teams step up in attack, with both bombing gilt-edged chances with dropped balls under the challenge of some brutal, bone crunching defence. However, it took just eight minutes before the Skolars right centre found a way through some flat defence to stride away into the corner for the first try of the second half.
The Ravens again rallied and put the visitors under the most concerted period of pressure in the whole game. The home sides won themselves a series of back to back sets via a goal line dropout and a penalty for holding down, but despite being virtually camped on the opposition line they could find no way through. At times the scenes were almost slapstick as the Skolars defenders hurled themselves in front of the Ravens juggernaut in desperate, last ditch attempts to hold the line.
The Skolars finally broke the Ravens resolve on the hour mark, a solid set of six in attack punched them down the field and a drive over from close range extended the lead to 10 – 38. A minute later the standoff latched on to an offload thirty metres out to jink his way over and the floodgates had opened as the Skolars entered their second purple patch of the game. Three more tries followed in close succession as the visitors took advantage of some tiring defence on the Ravens left hand flank, before the right wing broke on the opposite side to feed the fullback for the final try on seventy five minutes.
To their credit the Ravens refused to let their heads go down and continued to take the fight to the Skolars to the very end, earning a standing ovation off the field from the vociferous partisan crowd. Ultimately it was the greater experience of the Skolars, many with experience in National League Two, which made the difference. The Skolars were quicker to get the second and third man to the tackle, showed more awareness in their support running and slicker handling of the ball in particular the crisp distribution of hooker Kurt Pittman from the play the ball.
Kent Ravens have come along way in the last three years and despite what the score line may suggest the side have great potential that will develop as they progress along their own learning curve. In Princes Park the Ravens have a stadium to be proud of and in Kent Ravens the town of Dartford has a rugby league side to be proud of.
Kent Ravens: (10) 10
London Skolars: (30) 68
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