The 1st XV team delivered their best performance of the year against The Skinners’ School in the second round of the National Cup, beating them 32 – 10. The first half produced a near faultless session of rugby, in attack and defence with a result 22-0. The whole team were outstanding, notably Sam Hutchings, Jack French, Zac Filmer and Benjamin Day.
The Under 15 teams had a Natwest Plate match against Ravens Wood School on Tuesday. Although we had beaten Ravens Wood convincingly earlier in the season, they had been short of several players. The boys were expecting a physical challenge and were not disappointed. Ravens Wood started strong and scored a good try after only five minutes. This was the last time they threatened our line as our forwards outmuscled their pack and our backs were a huge threat with ball in hand. First half tries came from James Roberts and Charlie Watkins. Charlie added another in the second half and Izaac Laskey went over after a surge from the forwards. James Lambton was successful with two conversions making the final score 24 – 7. An impressive team performance with good contributions from four Year 9 players – Santiago Esquivel, Matthew Arman, Thomas Cartwright and David Manzini.
The Under 14A team finished the half term with a magnificent 28-5 win, against an exceptionally physical Wilmington Grammar School side. Early scores from Ilia Zyp and Thomas Cartwright put the boys 14-0 up, before resolute defence and more attacking flair saw Matt Arman and David Manzini finish the game off.
On Friday the Under 11 teams hosted St Benedict’s School for the first ever rugby fixtures between the two schools. The Under 11 A, B and C teams again proved too strong for their opponents, winning all three matches comfortably. All three teams head into the half term break unbeaten.
