Scottish eye title in cup final finish (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Scottish eye title in cup final finish

8:30am Friday 6th May 2011 in London Scottish By Graham Moody

After eight months and 29 games, London Scottish's National League One promotion hopes come down to one match tomorrow.

Simon Amor's side travel to Barking, the team three points below them at the top of table, for a straight promotion shoot-out in their last game of the season, with Scottish knowing a defeat would see their title hopes disappear.

Any win would secure in top spot unless Barking get two losing bonus points and then pick up five points from their final game against Macclesfield a week later.

It promises to be an exciting atmosphere and head coach Amor was excited by the challenge.

"Everyone is looking forward to it," he said.

"It has come down to a cup final at the end and it has been a fantastic year.

"It is the two best teams in the league going at it for the promotion spot, we have won our last 26 games while they are unbeaten all season.

"We have two different styles of rugby and both teams will try and play what suits them and we will play the way that has been successful for us all season."

Scottish stretched their lead at the top to three points last Saturday by claiming a bonus point in their 29-17 win at Blackheath as Barking limped to a 14-10 win at Cinderford.

Tries came from John Bordiss, Willie Lipp, Lewis Calder and David Howells and took the club to 128 points, 20 clear of last season when they finished second.

"The strength in depth in our squad has been fantastic," said Amor.

"We have used more than 40 players this year and they have all played a significant part so whoever is called upon tomorrow will give it their best shot.

"The focus here is trying to put a team and a club in place that has a winning mentality and to keep trying to improve on that winning mentality.

"It is an ambitious club and a young club that also wants to be recognised as a club that is used to developing young players."

Saturday: Barking (a, 3pm)