Rugby News

After a good build up in Games sessions and some pre-season work over the last three Saturdays, the rugby season got underway in earnest this week.

The U10A and U13A travelled to the annual festival at The Oratory, Reading, which is always a stern examination and therefore excellent preparation for the rigours of a highly competitive season to come.

The U10A were to play a round robin format against Bedford School, Donhead, Dragon and Caldicot – a formidable set of opponents. The opening game against Bedford was a close-fought affair and it is all credit to the boys that they dug deep against a good side to claim an excellent draw.

This saw a palpable upturn in confidence and the next three games were all victories, albeit closely contested ones. The boys showed real spirit and, by conceding less tries and scoring more, they were the winners of the festival. All the boys were splendid but a special mention must go to Tom S who was simply superb, as was Aki A in both attack and defence. The boys picked up their well-deserved medals – a great start to the season!

The U13A opened their day against Bruen Abbey Prep and, after getting to grips with some of their larger players, ran out comfortable winners. The patterns rehearsed in practice were needed against Aylesbury Grammar, but the tactic of quick rucks and expansive play was telling and produced another healthy win.

The third game was against Gordon’s, a rugby school of note with an attached academy, and their boys clearly fancied the challenge. Indeed, our tackling gifted them a try early on but this did not create panic, rather an onslaught of counter tackling and rucking that saw good, clean ball produced for George D to unleash his backs. Three unanswered tries were the result and a third win recorded. The final game against St Philp’s was also a win to end a good day. There was plenty to be pleased about, plenty to work on, and we were delighted to collect early silverware for the cabinet!

Written by Simon Cattermole, Assistant Director of Sport