1ST XV – MR THOMAS
A combined 1st and 2nd XV team played Cranbrook School on Saturday and managed to maintain their unbeaten run in the scheduled fixtures this season. It was expected to be a routine victory for the team as Cranbrook have struggled this season, but a lacklustre attacking performance in the first half saw the score only at 7 – 3 to Eltham. A powerful and motivational talk by captain Dillon R saw the team come out in the second half and completely dominate the game with Cranbrook unable to cope with the pace and power of the Eltham attack. Eltham scored 34 points without reply to record another emphatic win by 41 – 3. The pick of the tries with was scored by Toby B after the forwards had driven a lineout and then slick passing by the backs enabled him to dive over in the corner.
Under 16A – MR CHESTERTON
The Under 16A team lost 19-0 to a strong and physical Cranbrook School team. There was not much between the two sides, but while Cranbrook took their opportunities on the day, Eltham was guilty of forcing passes that were not on, or lacking patience when try-scoring chances came. As always, the boys showed complete determination and bravery throughout the game, but unfortunately, that was not enough this week. There were some outstanding individual performances with Namir K and Joe A leading the forwards against some rather large Cranbrook opponents; while Pravin T was particularly impressive on his first start for the A team. The boys will want revenge against The Skinners’ School, and this, combined with hopefully some players returning from injury, should see them return to winning ways.
Under 15A – MR DAVIES
Another busy week for the Under 15 rugby team. In midweek the boys faced Tonbridge School in the Kent Cup semi-final. Despite a monumental effort from Eltham, Tonbridge ran out clear winners showing some high-level skill in the heavy rain. Our boys gave their all and were a credit to the school. Saturday’s match at Cranbrook School was played on a heavy, muddy, energy-sapping pitch which had been churned up by the Under 14’s beforehand. Our boys controlled the game throughout, playing enterprising rugby and running in some lovely tries to win by 31 points to nil. Try scorers were captain Finn E (2), Tom C, Ilya Z and Luke T with Josh H converting three of them.
Under 15B – MR HOUGHTON
Under 15B won a magnificent game 38-17 with an outstanding team performance against Cranbrook School.
Under 14A – MR JERVIS
It was evident from the where the strengths of Cranbrook School would lie as they took to the field with a couple of very large boys who right from the start carried the ball with aggression and speed. Eltham however played some very tidy rugby of their own and played more cohesively as a team and strung some passages of play together that included touches from most of the side. However, two bludgeoning tries from each of the Cranbrook threats proved to be the difference between the two sides. However, the side never gave up and the sight of Mark V chasing down and bringing to ground a boy who literally weighed twice as much as him epitomised the effort that the whole team put in. They should take great heart that if they continue to improve and put as much effort into every game that the results will eventually turn in their favour. The final score was Cranbrook 10 Eltham College.
Under 14B – MR HAMMOND
The Under 14B team have had to deal with much change in the team over the term and this week was no different.With players playing out of position it made for a close encounter with what was an enthusiastic Cranbrook side.
The game was a stalemate for much of the game with Eltham playing in their own half for the whole period, as we failed to capitalise on the series of penalty infringements committed by Cranbrook.
After a turn of fortune (on the opposition side) they we able to break our defence and convert their score to make it a 7-point game. Eltham approached the second half with a renewed vigour with some strong runs from Mario C, Reuben C, Giuliano C and Jacob J. Despite these strong runs, 7- 0 was how the game was to end.
To improve, we must play to our strengths and transfer what we do into training into games. We have the makings of a great team but erroneously play to our weaknesses.
Under 13A – MR THOROGOOD
The day started slowly against a good Skinner’s side. There were more missed tackles in a game of rugby than there were students in this school. Final Score was 9-2. However, credit to all involved that following the riot act being read out after the game vs skinners, the boys responded in true fighting fashion with an excellent display against Dulwich College. Winning the game 5-3.
Special mention to Matthew C who controlled the game against Dulwich. Another special mention must go to Lucas C who also put up a solid display.
Under 13C – MR THOROGOOD
The Under 13C team had a day of two halves. The first was a superb game against The Skinners’ School where the boys won 7-5 with David S scored a raft of tries to help his side win.
The second game for the C team was a tough but impressive defeat to Dulwich. A superb day and loads of excellent rugby.
Under 12A – MR KING
The Under 12 A team overcame Dulwich College 40-15 on Friday Afternoon with a strong defensive display. Daniel C and Xavier T were magnificent in defence whilst Austin E, Dylan T and Kola were dangerous in attack.
U12B – MR BALDWIN
The Under 12Bs team kept up their excellent season with a hard fought 30-25 win over Dulwich College on Friday. The team made an excellent start to the match and Sam G opened the scoring following a strong run from inside his own half. However, Dulwich put us under sustained pressure for the next ten minutes and scored two tries. Tobias O found some space after a good Eltham move to level the scores but Dulwich were able to respond to ensure they were ahead at half time. Eltham made an excellent start to the second half with captain Ollie S scoring a well worked try in the corner but errors and missed tackles led to two Dulwich tries and Eltham were on the back foot. Tobias responded though with two tries in two minutes including a run from his own half to complete his hat trick before Damian S smashed his way through the Dulwich defence to give Eltham the victory.
