Year 7 Rugby

The Year 7 rugby squad travelled to Bramhall yesterday afternoon for their third fixture of the term, having shown very pleasing improvement in training over recent weeks.  Bramhall High has been an established rugby-playing school for many years (I remember playing against them myself as a 12 year old when Keith Fielding, union and league international and of ‘Superstars’ fame, for those older readers, was Head of PE there), with many of their boys playing for local club sides Stockport and Manchester.  Consequently, we were expecting a tough encounter.  There was no hesitancy or settling in period this week, the boys exploded into action with an early try from the bulldozing Jacob Riley, making his debut after sustaining injuries prior to the previous two games.  Another score followed with the first of a brace form Michael Kayes and it was clear that the boys were ‘well up for it’. 

Ultimately, we ran out winners 8 tries to 2, with Toby (3), Freddie and Harvey adding their names to the score sheet, but it could have been a far bigger score had I not rotated players every few minutes.  What was so pleasing last night was witnessing the growth in confidence of the new players but also how those with more experience helped their team mates along, directing and encouraging them in equal measure.  Tom Allen, Will Page and Monty Freeman in particular seemed to step up a level yesterday.

More clinical rucking and a greater willingness to pass the ball rather than seeking personal glory will see us develop further as a squad.

An excellent afternoon’s work, fellas.  Well done!