End of Season Rugby Report

The SPS Rugby Club have had a very competitive season of rugby with an even spread of wins and losses across the age groups.

Played: 116

Won: 56

Drawn: 3

Lost: 57

Points For: 2296

Points Against: 2215

Points difference: +81

Win Ratio: 48.3%

The 1st XV have had a hugely competitive season in one of the toughest circuits in school rugby, and although the results show only 4 out of 10 games won, such a statistic fails to do justice to the team’s performances.

Indeed, 4 of the 6 losses were decided by only the smallest of margins, with Tonbridge securing victory on the final play of the game, Radley College winning by a single point, Whitgift by two points, and Eton College by a converted try! Most importantly, however, the team worked tirelessly throughout the season and improved with every game. Such efforts were underlined by a fantastic win at home to Dulwich College in the final game of the season. Mr Maguire and Mr Blurton could not have been prouder of the squad for their outstanding commitment to the SPS Rugby Club, and plaudits must go to Captain Nathan Bottomley for always leading by example in this respect.

The 2nd XV had a fantastic season winning 60% of their games, particularly when one considers that the team was comprised mainly of Lower Eighths. Conversely, the 3rd XV had a more mixed season when looking at the scoreboards, although impressive wins against RGS Guildford and The Fulham Boys School 1st XV were true highlights. Where both teams converged, however, was their consistently brilliant attitude and approach to both training and fixtures, which led to constant improvement, and was spearheaded by the teams’ respective captains Elwen Cameron and Joshua Brown. Every element of the season, from training to games to the end-of-season dinner was enjoyed by all.
The U16A enjoyed a fantastic performance against Tonbridge, Eton, and Radley this year, demonstrating how destructive they can be when they play to the best of their ability. The U16B team, meanwhile, showed magnificent loyalty, camaraderie and commitment to the St Paul’s Rugby Club, producing some outstanding results against strong opposition. The season highlight must certainly be their last-minute try against Dulwich to seal victory!

The U15s had a really enjoyable season – it was great to retain enough players to fulfil regular fixtures for the A, B and C teams. The A team lost by a single score on four occasions to some stellar teams, but improved significantly throughout the season, as was evidenced by the return fixture victory over Eton College and an excellent away victory over Reading Blue Coat to avenge their loss from the previous year. The B team battled hard all year and turned over Eton, Tonbridge and RGS Guildford among their other wins. The highlight for the C team was their doubleheader win over Eton. A very enjoyable season overall, and little doubt that many fine players in this age group will undoubtedly make strong 1st XV players in the future.

The 14s as a year group enjoyed a fantastic 72% win ratio this season. The A’s and B squads played brilliantly to only lose one match each throughout the year, whilst the C’s and D’s also played their hearts out, both winning over half their games and playing some exceptional rugby at times. As for the E team, it is now the second year on the bounce that Mr Taylor has led the E team to an unbeaten season! A superb effort by him and the team. The F’s and G’s enjoyed a very good season but were unfortunate to not have played more fixtures due to cancellations and the weather.

I would also like to single out Marco Sicheri (joint 1st XV vice-captain) for having the sheer will to return to the rugby field after undergoing two shoulder operations and a double fracture to his leg all within the last 2 years. For some people, just being up and about walking would be a success, but for Marco to have the desire and determination to want to play rugby again at 1st XV level is a remarkable achievement and an extremely courageous one at that!
Thank you to all the staff and boys on the rugby games half for giving up your time and effort week after week to ensure that the SPS Rugby Club continues to do the school proud.

Rugby Awards:

Old Pauline Trophy for Outstanding Service to the SPS Rugby Football Club: Nathan Bottomley
Dave Rollitt Cup for Outstanding Rugby Achievement: Andreas Hadjiloizou for being selected to play for the Cyprus Men’s XV and Cyprus Seven’s Team

Written by Andy Maguire, Head of Rugby.