Masterclass by Grayson puts Scottish on the rise

GRAYSON Hart produced a scrum-half masterclass as London Scottish eased their relegation worries with a crucial win over struggling Hartpury.

Scottish’s forwards laid the platform with former London Irish academy lock Theo Vukasinovic a rampaging force at the heart of a dominant set-piece and driving game which produced oceans of quick ball for the halfbacks to thrive on.

However, it was Hart who kept his side ticking with an energetic display in which he unveiled the full repertoire of No.9 skills before making way for Josh Barton after his sniping 58th minute try had provided Scottish with clear daylight at 20-3.

Experienced Kiwi Hart, 30, said: “It was nice to get front foot ball and we’ve been working hard on the quality of our carries and cleanouts. Credit to the forwards because, as numbers nine and ten, it’s night and day when you get that ball.

“We have some really talented and dangerous players and it shows that when you start getting a bit of continuity and tempo, these players can really start making dents. That said, we did leave a point out there so there’s still plenty to work on.”

The try bonus point Hart referred to ought to have been secured in the final quarter and Scottish could feel slightly aggrieved that Mark Bright was adjudged to have been held up late on when video evidence suggested the ball was down.

In all, Scottish were held up three times during a hectic last ten minutes in which their only addition to earlier tries from Rob Stevenson and Hart came through Rob Davison’s fine finish – due reward but also testament to Hartpury’s fighting spirit.

The win leaves Scottish 11 points clear of bottom-placed Hartpury at the halfway stage of the campaign.

Hartpury were well in the contest early on but, after Luke Cozens and Rory Jennings had exchanged penalties, Robbie Smith’s inexplicable offload to nobody was snapped up by Rob Stevenson for an easy canter to the line.

Hartpury never recovered and a late score from Ben Foley was no consolation. Skipper Simon Linsell said: “We defended our hearts out but we’re in a relegation scrap and must target every game as a cup final.”