1st XV v Trent College Lost 5-0

This game had everything except the big 'W' for a result.  The boys came out of their blocks firing and showed the opposition they were in a hard battle from the first whistle.

It was against the run of play when, in the first fifteen minutes, a comedy of errors in the lineout led to a cheap try against the SA 1st XV; the boys will need to react more quickly to ball on the floor, but should take heart from their explosive start to the game.

The remainder of the game was mostly SA attack with the exception of the odd enemy counter attack; these required quick reactions from our back line and often a covering tackle from our 'Mr Reliable' Paddy D.

The second half, in particular, saw real offensive action and spirit from our boys.  All watching took real pride in the way the boys took the game to Trent College on their own turf.

Cameron D stole a few more against the head which should also be attributed to quality scrummaging from Ed H and Ben E.  All the forwards were keen to carry the ball forward and our back row were most impressive.  John W stormed up the pitch on a number of occasions and Ben E and Freddie H were just as impressive in the loose.

Often the players doing the graft in the tight do not get a mention and it would only be fair to give a thanks to Charlie A,  Elliott W, Hugo R, Woody and the front row for securing quality ruck ball for the boys in the backline.  The backs were on fire; Charlie H, Andrew C, Lewis H, Will H, Jack H and Paddy D always looked dangerous in attack and created an impenetrable defensive line every time it was needed.

I think the boys deserved a draw (at least) and one opposition supporter went as far as saying SA played by far the better rugby and were very unfortunate to have not left with a victory.

I will look back at this game and remember an intense period of fast flowing decisive rugby which involved Will H joining the line at pace, a phase led by Ben E and a final phase that resulted in John W crossing the line only for it to be called 'held up'.  The boys should be so proud (I think I have said this before) in what was a cracking performance.

RRGS