Scotch College

Scotch gets four - never been done before

The season started for the Scotch College 1st XV with a tour to Queensland. We stayed at the Sports Super Centre and received specialist coaching from ex-Wallabies and current state coaches.

The season was very successful, winning all but one game which was played against St Kevin's, losing by only 10 points. We had a mid-season training camp at Scotch which helped prepare us for the finals.

In the semi-final we faced off against Geelong Grammar. We were behind until the 69th minute (game goes for 70 minutes) then scored a crucial try. This try lifted the team and we went on to win and progress to the final to play our old foe St Kevins.

We arrived at the Trinity Grammar Sports Grounds to a cold, wet and bleak environment. The stage was set for another epic battle between these two foes. Scotch had won the last three premierships, while St Kevin's had won the previous two.

1/ Christopher Aitken – solid pick and drives, gaining ground throughout the game	2/Sam Evans – continued with aggressive open-play breaks	3/ Mitchell Earle – Cool, calm and controlled penalty taking

4/ Alex Campbell – Held up high in the line out, complete domination with Richard McDonald

St Kevin's won the toss and elected to run up the hill, while Scotch had the kick. St Kevin's drew first blood with a penalty but the Scotch team quickly hit back with the first try but an unsuccessful conversion. St Kevin's scored two tries with one conversion to lead Scotch into the break 15 – 8. The battle continued throughout the second half but Scotch appeared to have the upper hand and in the 63rd minute managed to score the first points of the half with a converted try to draw level. We then managed to score a penalty and another try to run out winners 25 – 15.

It was a great effort by a team who put in the ‘hard yards’ and achieved all the goals that they gave themselves. We put our minds to it and overcame the only team which beat us during the season to win our fourth premiership in a row. This feat has not been achieved in the history of the Victorian Rugby Union Competition.

Special thanks must go to Ian Lundie, who is returning to the UK at the end of the year, and to Bruce Norton for their guidance and skilled coaching throughout the season

Mitchell Earle
Captain Rugby