2nd XII v Lady Manners School

2nd XII v Lady Manners School

This was a tough game: Lady Manners fielded their top year 7 pupils from a year group of about 70 boys. As a result they were big and some members of the team were very fast. Having conceded a couple of soft tries, thanks to poor tackling, the S. Anselm’s lads refused to let the flood gates open and began to pick up the pace. Although they were always struggling, they showed some great grit and determination at key moments. The fact that the front five rucked well and that key players ran with determination at key moments meant we were often pressing their try line. Eventually two tries came from some determined and decisive running.

Nick T led the pack well and his forwards rucked very well. George S was very visible too. Jonah G had a good game and ensured that Paddy C at fly half was fed some good ball. Paddy C had a mixed game – when he played with confidence he made things happen as the crucial decision maker in the team. Will B-B and Fred B-B made important in-roads into the opposition defence at key times and Tom D ensured that in the last ten minutes, Lady Manners failed to get over our line.

The boys should be disappointed with some weak moments when we failed to push up and tackle. There were also some bad decisions when try scoring opportunities appeared. However, for 85% of the game they played with real grit and passion and showed that they were not going to be steam-rolled by a more bulky side. Lots to improve on but there were also flashes of inspiration and it was a bit of a thriller!

Result: Lost 24 – 10

Man of the Match: – Al Campbell