Scouts beat local rivals to make consecutive Alliance Final

The semi final alliance match between Northampton Old Scouts and Old Northamptonians was a final step to the final, but in many cases that was the back seat of a compelling rivalry and highly anticipated match.

A big crowd of familiar faces gathered at ON's to see Scouts defend their Alliance title, and within 3 minutes Scouts had settled the nerves with a penalty from Will Brenan. That followed a very disciplined 15 minutes from both sides as they tried to get their shape to gain some dominance in the game.
At 22 minutes the home team were 6-3 in the lead and with the game inevitably tight, the referee sinned bin Richard Bussey of the Scouts. ON's did their best to use the 10 minute advantage but could only get 3 points after some excellent defence from Scouts.

But, just before the half ended ON's had a scrum on the Scouts line and after a dart from their 9, a loose ball was pounced on by their player and a try was given. The half ended 14-3 to ON's and it set up for a great second half.

The second was simply great for The Old Scouts and not for the hosts. The 1st team delivered a very good 40 minutes of rugby and there was only one side in it.
Jordan Blaikie started proceedings by finishing off a team try in the corner and Brenan converted. Soon after the ON's place kicker kicked a very good penalty to take it to 17-10 but it didn't feel like it was going to stop the Scouts, and it didn't.

They snuffed out any attack presented to them and were relentless in their own endeavours. The next Scouts try came after a break in the wide channels and Noah Jervis finishing right in the corner. Brenan converting superbly from the touch line which gave a clear shift of momentum to them. At 17-17 they had 15 minutes to win the game.

Scouts took on the challenge and vice captain Dean Lake delivered the winning try at 79 minutes.

The game finished at 22-17 and there were no arguments on who the deserved team was. The Northampton Old Scouts had played very well and beaten their local rivals.
In excellent performances its hard to single out players for the man of the match, but brothers Tom and Ollie Holliday epitomised the quality and effort shown on pitch.

The Alliance final is at Franklins Gardens on Wednesday 15th May.