Scots fail to break 6 year Jinx

Scotland Students V. England Students

Score: England 20 Scotland 8

Date: 30^th June 2002, Venue: Cockermouth RUFC, Cumbria

The jinx still remains as Scotland Students failed to record a victory against the England Students at Cockermouth RUFC on Sunday. The Scots were beaten by 20-8 after high hopes of finally breaking their 6 year spell of bad luck and disappointment. Handling errors due to the appalling weather conditions produced try scoring opportunities for the English players to record a secure win.

The match began in a laborious fashion with the English driving hard at the Scottish defence pushing the Scots back deep into their own half. However, the continual loss of possession due to handling errors and offsides by both sides meant that play was rather sporadic and faltered.

The English took advantage of Scotland's mishaps scoring a try in the 17^th minute. The Scots had previously given away possession. A mistackle on the English prop left a gaping hole for the English attack, scoring the try between the posts. A successful conversion gave the English a 6-0 lead.

The next twenty minutes appeared a similar affair with neither team making headway by giving away possession. However, the Scots slowly forced their way back into English territory as captain Ash Carroll and Prop Graeme Smith gained ground through the middle. The Scots advancement eventually paid off when a drive by John MacDonald resulted in the long awaited try. Robin Laing drew the score line, successfully kicking the conversion just moments before half time.

The Scots appeared to enter the second half rejuvenated by their 10 minute break. Commanding play from Scotland's forwards pressed the English into their own half. The pressure forced the English to give away a penalty for offside. Robin Laing duly took good care of it, kicking the conversion. Unperturbed by the sudden change in tempo the English hit back. The Scottish fullback Rich Brantingham was faced with a last ditch tackle after the English had penetrated Scotland's defensive line. Brantingham produced an outstanding tackle smothering the ball preventing the use of the English overlap.

However, the Scots concentration seemed to wane after Ian Gilmour was sin-binned for continuous offside. The English used the opportunity with an immediate try after gaining another overlap. The conversion was missed leaving the score at 12-8.

Two minutes later England's fullback was given a further opportunity after a long ball was passed wide. The Scots had been drawn into the middle, leaving the overlap for the full back to stride over the try line. The English failed to kick the conversion.

Scotland's frustration increased after they failed to complete their sets by handling errors. Solid English tackling forced many of the Scottish errors. The final try of the match came in the 63^rd minute, sealing England's victory. The same mistake was made by the Scots, who were drawn inwards leaving the English to utilise the overlap and score the try. The final conversion was missed but the result was left as a convincing English victory at 20-8. The Scots were not able to get back into the match with incomplete sets and the inability to break through English tackles. Time had finally run out for the Scots and the failure to use opportunities when England were dispossessed had paid a heavy penalty of another defeat to the English. Scotland had courageously fought to the final whistle but it seemed that a victory was not meant to be. The Scots will learn from this tough encounter and disappointing defeat. It is hoped that the lessons learnt will break the jinx next time.