Scotch not daunted by the big stage as derby beckons

Wed, May 25, 2022, 8:14 AM
Rugby Vic Media
by Rugby Vic Media
Scotch vs Melbourne Grammar (Melbourne Grammar Rugby FB)
Scotch vs Melbourne Grammar (Melbourne Grammar Rugby FB)

Saturday's clash between old foes Scotch and Melbourne Grammar commemorates the 90th anniversary since the sides first locked horns in rugby.

With honour and bragging rights on the line, we chatted with the calm head of Scotch 1st XV Coach Eric Tom to see how his young chargers were feeling about the impending grudge match.

Rugby Victoria (RV): Tell us about the makeup of the squad this year? Where are the strengths?

Eric Tom (ET):We have a good mixture this year of Year 11 and Year 12 boys that have been in the program for 2 years now, so they know the systems well and have had that experience playing senior rugby under there belt.

Experience alone is a win to give these young men confidence.

RV: Big win over Marcellin last start, what were the key takeaways from that performance?

ET: It was a good 1sthalf from us, but we need to maintain a 70 minute performance and not just play well for 35mins.

We had a good week of training knowing that we let our game vs Hailebury slip through our hands. Key takeaways was execution of what was spoken about and trained throughout the week, which showed on the scoreboard.

RV: Who are the leaders in the team driving standards?

ET: Our Captain Lachie Finster and Vice-Captain Will Creswell work well with leadership both on and off the field with the lads and they also work well alongside the coaching staff.

RV: Grammar this week! Plenty of history there...why is this clash so special to the boys? How are you marking the occasion?

ET: It's always a big game on the school calendar for all sports. It's a “good old fashion local derby.”

It is going to be a big day at Scotch as the college is letting all the games from juniors to seniors be played on the holy grail. The number one oval in the school which is only used for footy in the winter and cricket in the summer, its been known that the cricket pitch is 2ndbest in Victoria to the famous MCG.

So the boys are really excited to play on this field and have the support of the school, family and old boys behind them.

RV: Where do you see your advantage in this match up? Whar are you expecting MG to throw at you?

ET: Both teams are evenly matched I think.

We also expect there forwards to be strong at the breakdowns.

From a Scotch perspective, we need to focus on our own brand of rugby and stick to our systems and not let the big stage get to us.

If we can do that as a collective then we should walk away very happy.

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