WORKSOP COLLEGE PREPARATORY SCHOOLS’ RUGBY FESTIVAL 1ST VII REPORT
11th September 2010
We have been rehearsing the Fijian ‘quick step’ and massive Samoan ‘smashes’ all week, in readiness for yesterday’s rugby sevens festival. Since returning to school, the boys have consistently been demonstrating a real desire to play the game; self-enforced squad rehearsals in an evening have been noted!
Saturday was a glorious afternoon for rugby sevens. The boys were well organised and seemed positive and determined. Little did we know, the day was to test both the moral and physical component of our rugby firepower.
We were drawn against Lincoln Minster, Wellow, Ranby and Witham Hall. The first game against Lincoln set the tone of the day. Against a brutal team of larger than average boys we lost by seven squared. More significantly, key players (Charlie H, Matthew N, Paddy D) were hurt early doors and had to persevere, in what is always a campaign in rugby sevens, with minor injuries.
Overall, despite a lack of victory, the boys should be immensely proud of their achievements on the pitch. They remained positive and mutually supportive in very difficult circumstances. Thank you to Will A for leading by example and being instrumental in our two tries. Well done to Freddie H and Kevin H for scoring the two superb tries against Wellow in a game that we clearly dominated; only an early interception prevented a well-deserved result. Additionally, Alex V and Ben E have made a real statement of intent, with respect to the XV game, with some invaluable work in the tight. At the end of the day, Bertie W posture and expression summed up the determination and passion that had been invested in the day’s efforts; all the boys were absolutely shattered.
Finally, thank you to all those who were able to come and support and, also, very many thanks for a very warm welcome to the School.
Robin RG Scothern
The 2nd VII went to a sunny Worksop to take part in the 7’s tournament there. The first outing of the season was a bit of a shock! The size of the opposition teams was generally very large and in our first game St Hughs played a very direct form of 7’s. Our boys were simply too polite and nice and allowed St Hughs to get the better of them. A 47-0 defeat was not how we had planned the start! However we regrouped and focussed on doing the basics rather better. We played Ranby next and our belief started to return. John W bulldozed over for a first half try, which was added to by our flier scoring in the second half (William H). We then gifted Randy and interception try which made the last two minutes a bit uneasy but we ran out 12-5 winners.
Our third match was against Wellow and we hit form here. Our commitment at the breakdown and self belief enabled us to romp home 47-0. Tries from William H, Lewis H, Elliott W, and John W, were mostly converted by Alex W, and we left the pitch with it all to play. Our final game was against Witham who were the pre Tournament favourites. We shared the play in the first half but gifted them a interception try (again!). 7-0 at half time was very retrievable especially as we had had two good scoring opportunities in the first half. Sadly fitness and being a bit asleep at a penalty enabled Witham to put a bit of distance between us, but it was a good battling performance and the players can be proud of the way they had improved and developed overall. Well done.
Top try scorer: William H
Top forward: John W
Top back: Jack “terrier” H
SCN
U11A Worksop Tournament
The Under 11A season started this weekend at the Worksop School tournament. It was to be a baptism of fire for some of the squad as a few new pupils had never played a game of rugby.
Game 1 Vs St Hugh’s
With many new teams the early signs can be very telling and with this team of boys the early signs were very promising. We controlled the first half of the match more through grit and determination than through organisation and technical proficiency. In defence we were resolute with some string tackles and in attack we were direct with some fine runs by numerous players. In the end our persistence told as Hamish crashed over for the first try that was neatly converted by Jonah G. The second half was much of the same as our defence stood firm to all attacks. There were clearly things that need working on but nevertheless a great start as we won 7-0.
Game 2 Vs Spratton Hall
Always likely to be our toughest game of the day and so it turned out to be. Once again we started well and importantly it appeared that the team had heeded the advice given to them and the organisation of the backs in particular had improved greatly from the first match. Having said this Spratton made some very incisive breaks and rare missed tackles on our part led to us trailing 12-0 at half time. At no point did the team let their heads drop and put Spratton under considerable pressure but in the end we lost 24-0. This was however, a far improved performance on the first match.
Game 3 Vs Ranby House
A game I often look forward to. Despite our loss to Spratton confidence was high. We took to the pitch and started very strongly. Throughout the afternoon our performances had improved from game to game and this was to be no exception. Handling was swift and precise and led to Hamish touching down in the corner for a well worked try, once again converted by Jonah G. The second half continued in the same vein and consistent pressure allowed Harvey W to go over for our second try, unfortunately unconverted. In the end we won 12-0
Game 4 Vs Witham Hall
We started the game with a real belief to the team and 100% commitment from every player. The first half was very tight with us attacking well and Witham defending stoutly and then Witham running some good lines only to be stopped by some excellent tackling. At half time it was still 0-0. Early in the second half was the first moment where our concentration lapsed and Witham went over for a try. Unfortunately this seemed to deflate the team somewhat and Witham scored 2 more tries. We ended the game strongly with George M. very nearly sneaking down the wing only to be pulled back for stepping in touch. In the end we lost 21-0
Despite the 2 losses it is important to note that today had many more positive points than negative. The commitment and determination of the team could not be faulted. The new boys who had never played rugby were a credit to themselves and showed real promise. There were certainly areas that need to be worked on but thankfully they are areas that can easily be coached. What cannot be coached is what this team seems to have in abundance and that is heart and a will to succeed.
JEJW
Posted on
Sun, September 12, 2010
by SCN