Team News:Moseley v London Scottish - Sat 14th Apr

[Communications Team]

MOSELEY RUGBY CLUB*****PRESS RELEASE******

10-Apr-2012


Moseley v London Scottish, RFU Championship Play-Offs
Saturday 14th April, 3.00 pm kick off at Billesley Common B13

“Moseley aim to repel Exiles in season finale – Carnival at Billesley”

Moseley successfully negotiated a tricky play off pool a fortnight ago and guaranteed their place in the 2012-13 RFU Championship. This Saturday is the Birmingham club’s final home game of the season and they enter it with an impressive record of 3 wins from the last 4 matches.

To add to the prospect of an entertaining match in store – the only game they haven’t won during the play offs was the away match against this weekend’s visitors – London Scottish. Today’s players will have the added incentive of putting the record straight in front of many of their illustrious predecessors.

Saturday 14th April (Kick off 3pm at Billesley Common) is likely to attract the largest crowd of the season that will see the home side put on a show for not only the faithful supporters who have helped see them home in another challenging season but also the 100 or so former players as they assemble for the annual re-union (from 12 noon).

Moseley’s players will be aiming to topple the Exiles…………… and immediately after the final whistle one of them will receive the coveted ‘Lionel Moriaty Memorial Boot’ having been voted ‘Supporters Player of the Season’. Voting closes at noon this Thursday at www.moseleysupporters.co.uk

The carnival atmosphere will be enhanced by many of the clubs sponsors also entertaining clients and introducing them to the award winning catering and (probably) the widest selection of real ales available at any English rugby club.

London Scottish however, will have their eyes firmly on obtaining the two points they require to guarantee a place in next year’s RFU Championship – an intriguing and entertaining match beckons!

Special Offer! Buy advance tickets and save 33%!!
Minimum purchase of 3 adult tickets at £10 each instead of £15 on the gate. Call the Club Office 0121 443 3631 or Terry Davies on 07792419064 – c/d cards accepted.

2 Corporate hospitality boxes left – end of season sale - £399 for 12 people/full hospitality!

****ENDS****

Moseley Rugby Club:

Match day tickets Terry Davies MBE (m) 07792419064
Hospitality Boxes Alan Potter (m) 07530 105289
Media enquiries: Terry Davies MBE (m) 07792 419064
Ticketing & General enquiries:
www.moseleyrugby.co.uk ; Tel [phone]; [e-mail]
Moseley Rugby Club, Billesley Common, Yardley Wood Road, Birmingham B13 0PT

[observer]

Scottish In Charge Of Their Own Destiny
By Andrew Bloss – (London) Evening Standard

Simon Amor has called on his London Scottish side to do the quadruple over Moseley this weekend and avoid a final day relegation decider, writes Andy Bloss.

Scottish are nine points ahead of bottom side Esher after collecting a bonus point following their 11-6 loss to Plymouth Albion last Sunday.

It leaves their fate in their own hands as they know victory against Moseley would guarantee another year of Championship rugby.

But a loss to Moseley and a win for Esher would result in a relegation showdown between the two on April 21.

“We know we are nine points ahead of Esher and we have a lot still to play for,” said head coach Amor.

“The team knows that if they play to their full potential they can win up at Moseley and then it will be job done.

“It is good to have the points cushion but it is important that we get the performance right.

“Our work ethic is tremendous and we just need to work on our executions in attack.

“We have beaten Moseley three times already this season so I am sure if we perform we will get the right result.”

Championship teams get the Easter weekend off with no fixtures taking place but Amor said his side have not been resting on their laurels.

“We are keeping things going, to be fair,” he added.

“We get a weekend free which is good over Easter but the lads trained very hard on Wednesday night and all of last week.

“There is a positive feeling amongst the group.”

Two Dan Mugford penalties accounted for Scottish’s points on Sunday, where they had a try disallowed late on that would have got them at least a draw.

[studleyken]

Sounds as though Amor is worried. Lets hope we can stick it up them on Sat. to give him something to really worry about. Then it will be up to Esher.
Lets make sure we really get behind the team, make it vocal as I always say. You'll have the whole of the summer to get your voices back so give it some.
Come on you Mooooose.

[Communications Team]

Big Match Preview - www.moseleyrugby.co.uk/report_display12.php?repfixid=954


Moseley v London Scottish
Saturday 14th April, 3.00pm @ Billesley Common

So that’s it then. Moseley saw off the spectre of relegation at Esher with an impressive win. End of season, we can all relax.

Not likely!

This week we welcome the visit of London Scottish in a match which is significant for both clubs, but in different ways. As it stands with Scottish on 15 points and Esher on 6, there is still a mathematical chance that Esher can escape the drop and send Scottish back to National One.

Admittedly it’s a slim chance which would require Scottish failing to pick up a single point in either this weekend’s game or in the final match against Esher. Also Esher would need two 5 point victories against both Plymouth and Scottish to be sure of breaking exiled Caledonian hearts. (Technically it could be possible with one 4 point and one 5 point victories if wins over the season are a factor to be taken into consideration but we'll leave that one to the anoraks to sort out! These playoffs are better than Sudoku at challenging the old brain cells).

You can be sure of one thing then, Scottish will be going all out not to leave Billesley Common empty handed.

For Moseley though, one word encapsulates this week’s game. Pride. Having lost three times to Scottish this season the team will not be able to contemplate making it four. The results so far have been:

Sun 2nd October
London Scottish 37 – 21 Moseley

Mon 26th December
Moseley 16 – 29 London Scottish

Sun 18th March
London Scottish 23 – 20 Moseley

This is not very satisfactory reading. The Boxing Day performance was particularly disappointing and ranks possibly as one of the worst Moseley performances of the season. By the time of the playoff game at Richmond the Moseley players had found the measure of the large Scottish pack and showed great character to play themselves back into the game to pick up a bonus point.

In Scottish’s last two playoff games there have been defeats to Plymouth, the away fixture being a particularly heavy 35 – 7 loss. The subsequent narrow home defeat by 6 – 11 suggests that Scottish have started to sort things out again and will again pose a strong challenge to Moseley.

If the Moseley players need any further incentive to perform well this week it will be that this is one of the last two opportunities to press home to coaches Maggs & West their claim for a place in the 2012/13 squad. Certainly the team has risen to the challenge in recent weeks and a number of players will have seen their names appearing on the coaches shopping list for next season.

Clearly evident in the last win over Esher was the pack’s ability to control a game as the home team eight was dominated in all areas. That provided the base for some astute tactical play from the backs which resulted in the win.

Most impressive were the phases of play following Anthony Carter’s yellow card (he seems to like collecting them against Esher as much as David Lyons likes scoring tries against the same opponents!). From one man down and in a dangerous position near the Moseley 22, the pack worked relentlessly forward until Dan Sanderson crossed the line to take the game, and put the prospect of relegation, beyond doubt. This was a defining moment which encapsulated how far this team has developed during the season.

The squad will deservedly have been able to reflect on a job well done, but the aim now must be to underline that Moseley should never have been considered for relegation by winning the last two games and finishing top of Pool C.

Let’s hope the players sign off the season at Billesley in style and put on an appropriate display for the 100+ old players who will be watching following their annual reunion.

[Communications Team]

Not directly relevant to this Saturday's match - but thought supporters may be interested. Comms Team


‘Scotty’ supports Scottish to return to Melrose Sevens in aid of the Voice of Rugby
For immediate release: Thursday 12th April 2012
Issued on behalf of London Scottish

After a 22 year absence, Saturday the 14th of April will see London Scottish field a side at the famous Aberdeen Asset Management Melrose Sevens in aid of The Bill McLaren Foundation.

The Charitable Foundation was set up to raise funds to support the development of rugby and its values and in this spirit an advanced party from Scottish will hit the road with a number of former Scottish internationalists including John Jeffrey and Chris Patterson to visit clubs in the Borders in the week leading up to the tournament. Their key aim is to inspire budding rugby players of the future and educate them on the benefits of a healthy balanced diet to improve their performance.

London Scottish were eager to support Bill's Foundation and the opportunity to play on their behalf on the 10 year anniversary of Bill's last ever commentary which was at the Sevens provided an excellent opportunity. The trip North has only been made possible through the help of London Scottish Sponsor 'Scotty Brand', part of the Albert Bartlett Family of brands. The provider of fresh Scottish potatoes, vegetables and soft fruit has been instrumental in making the team's return to Melrose a reality and they were excited about the opportunity to use the trip as an opportunity to educate and inform young players throughout the Borders about the importance of a healthy diet to achieve their sporting goals.

Simon Elkinson, Head of Strength and Conditioning at London Scottish said: "As professional rugby players we rely on healthy whole foods, such as potatoes and vegetables as a way of getting the best out of our team. The energy expended in 80 minutes of rugby and training is huge, so it is essential athletes of all levels fuel up on a combination of carbohydrates and protein. We are excited about the Borders tour and meeting some players of the future and we hope we can help them with the approach both on and off the field. "

London Scottish Head of Sponsorship David Leyden Dunbar went on to say "The support of Scotty in making this venture happen was invaluable. In the current economic climate they should be saluted for having the foresight to invest in this trip and help us spread this important message whilst raising the awareness of Bill's Foundation".

For further information please visit:

Scotty Brand - www.scottybrand.com

The Bill McLaren Foundation - www.billmclarenfoundation.co.uk

ENDS

[observer]

Interesting..............I'd be v surprised if any 'first choice' players are going with Scottish still in need of 2 points to guarantee survival................are they??

[Communications Team]

Moseley looking to end their home season with a flourish
For immediate release Friday 13th April 2012
Issued on behalf of Moseley Rugby

RFU Championship Group C Play-Offs: Moseley v London Scottish
Saturday 14th April, 3.00pm kick off at Billesley Common, Birmingham

After a welcome break from action after the attritional intensity of four play-off matches, Moseley return to Championship duty at Billesley Common on Saturday with the visit of London Scottish. With niggling injuries to lock Paul Spivey and full-back Anthony Carter there are two changes to the Moseley side. In the forwards Spivey is replaced by Dan Sanderson, and Ollie Thomas moves to full-back allowing the return of the exciting Billy Robinson on the wing.

With Moseley now safe from relegation their main motivation may be to regain some pride following three losses against the Exiles side this year, with head coach Kevin Maggs expecting his men to change this pattern. Scottish still need a point to be safe, so the match is bound to be a competitive affair. Adding to the occasion is the fact that this is the Birmingham side’s last home match of the campaign, and will be witnessed by many former players who will be attending their Old Players’ Reunion.

Starting 15: 01. Marshall GADD; 02.Adam CAVES; 03. Colin QUIGLEY; 04. David LYONS; 05.Dan SANDERSON; 06.Neil MASON; 07.Ben PONS; 08. Michael ELLERY; 09.Ryan GLYNN; 10.Brad DAVIES; 11. Brad HUNT; 12.Andy REAY; 13. Greg KING; 14. William ROBINSON; 15. Ollie THOMAS

Replacements: 16. Anthony O’DONNELL;17. Lloyd FAIRBROTHER; 18. Richard STOTT; 19. James TYASS; 20. Michael MALTMAN; 21.Jack ADAMS; 22 Sam BROWN.

[Communications Team]

London Scottish Ready For Crucial Moseley Clash
For immediate release: Friday 13th April 2012
Issued on behalf of London Scottish

This Saturday’s Pool C encounter against Moseley carries huge significance for London Scottish, where just a point will seal safety in the RFU Championship for next season.

Having beaten Moseley in all three previous games this season, the Exiles have the upper hand against their opponents. However, with Moseley securing their place in the division in their last outing against Esher, they will want to finish on a high in their last home game of the season.

With matters firmly in their own hands, Scottish are 100% focused on their Moseley encounter, and will not think about fellow strugglers Esher’s result until after the game.

Exiles winger Agustin Gosio is pleased with preparations ahead of the game: “Training has been great this week and everyone is really focused; we are looking for the win. We are not worrying about the Esher result because we know our match is important.”

London Scottish side to face Moseley, Saturday 14th April kick off 3pm, Billesley Common

15 Stuart Peel
14 Agustin Gosio
13 Ryan Westren
12 Charlie Hayter
11 Gerard Mullen
10 Dan Mugford
9 Simon Amor (c)
1 Nick Auterac
2 Adam Kwasnicki
3 Aaron Liffchak
4 Steve Pape
5 Alex Karonias
6 James Kellard
7 Zane Winslade
8 Mark Bright

16 Alex Clarke
17 Tom Standfield
18 Alex MacKenzie
19 Willie Lipp
20 Ben Lonergan
21 Jamie Stephenson
22 Ollie Grove


ENDS

[Steve@Mose]

Mail: Moseley looking to put record straight