Scottish complete Barking raid (From Richmond and Twickenham Times)

Scottish complete Barking raid

1:36pm Thursday 30th June 2011 in London Scottish By Stuart Amos

London Scottish forwards coach Alex Codling has masterminded a six-player raid on former club Barking to boost the Exiles’ Championship campaign.

Former Scotland U20 international scrum-half Matt Heeks, who returns to the Athletic Ground after a spell in Essex, heads the list of players to make the switch from the National League One runners-up.

Codling, who joined Scottish in May, has also persuaded props Aaron Liffchak and Alex McKenzie, second-row Ben Thomas and back-row forwards James Kellard and Anthony Andrews, to make the step up.

The former Ebbw Vale and London Welsh coach has a growing reputation for producing formidable forward units, with Barking the stand out pack in their division last term.

And Scottish head coach Simon Amor believes the new arrivals will enhance his side’s chances when they re-join the professional ranks in September.

“The arrivals will create a great competition for places, which has to be one of our main aims,” he said.

“By bringing quality players such as these guys in, it will strengthen our squad, and provide extra motivation for all of our players to keep performing.

“Great credit has to go to our new forwards coach. The fact that these guys were so keen to continue working with Alex speaks volumes about his coaching ability.”

Heeks quit Scottish last summer in search of regular first team rugby having been forced to play second fiddle to player-coach Amor.

And his new boss believes the change of scenery has had the desired effect.

He added: “Matt has progressed immensely following his spell at Barking - we will be getting a fantastic player that has greater experience and understanding in an absolutely vital position on the field.”