"The Scottish Government's mixed Touch Rugby team competed in The CSSC games in 
Loughborough for first time this year. While the team has been playing and training together,
expectations were not high, given SG's position as rookies in a competition in which some teams had international players. The tournament was run as 3 group leagues of 5 teams on Thursday, with the top 2 in each group competing in a mini league to qualify for the Grand Final on Friday.
"The team from St Andrew's House started with a comfortable 6-2 victory against the Serious and Organised Crime Agency. Next up were compatriots, Registers of Scotland. While RoS put in some good moves, the momentum stayed with SG to take the match 6-1.
"After the match RoS commented that SG could go far. None of the team believed this, as the team was facing a tough test from the UK Border Agency in the third match. Despite the level of competition, SG raised their game once again to finish 6-1. All that remained on Thursday was the final match against CSSC Tyne & Wear and Northumberland. While the team was tired after a hot day, SG put in a professional performance to win 3-1. Spirits were high as the team had qualified for 2 play off games on Friday to book a place in the final.
"The first match on Friday saw SG drawn against past winners DEFRA. They had a large squad and manager, and looked very professional - with at least one player sporting an England top while warming up. SG started strongly with early scores and a strong defence to take the match 4-2. The second game against the Ministry of Justice did not have the same pace, but SG were pleased to take a 3-1 victory to book a place in the Grand Final.
"In the final SG faced a London civil service team. A Touch of Class had very fast rugby league players but lacked the structure of the SG team. During a tense first half, SG took an early lead, but SG's luck started to turn with one player taking a kick to the jaw and another receiving a head knock in high speed collision with an opposition player. Despite finishing the half 2 players down, SG were 3-2 ahead. In the second half SG battled hard and defended well but were unable to stop the opposition's passing game, leaving the score 4-4 at the very last play of the game. The London team broke clear to run in a score to steal the game 5-4. Despite the lack of a fairytale ending, the SG team was proud to have taken the silver medal and can't wait to return to the next CSSC Games in 2013.
"Many thanks to CSSC and Scottish Governments Sports and Social Association for supporting and allowing the team to attend the event."
