Rugby Report

With the light closing in, the rugby club is working harder than ever to continue their good form. Shorter training sessions, tired boys and ever decreasing weather conditions are daily challenges but, in true Pangbournian style, the club is rallying to most the most of the situation.

Last week saw midweek fixtures against Sir William Borlase School and Leighton Park. The U16s had an incredibly close encounter with Sir William Borlase but started slowly, falling behind and never quite able to catch them up. The 2^nd XV played with heart and spirit but faced an incredibly well organised team. The 3^rd XV faced Leighton Park and, despite very few fixtures this term, played some of their best rugby yet. They ran out as comfortable 27-5 winners, scoring some fantastic tries in the process.

On Saturday, the clubs attentions turned to Worth School. This is a long standing fixture against a similar school to Pangbourne. They play a good brand of rugby and it is always produces some great matches. The U16s and U14s hosted Worth at Pangbourne and came away with four victories – an outstanding achievement. The U16As winning 11-0, the U16Bs by 7-0, the U14As by 69-12 and the U14Bs were especially impressive in their 48-12 victory. This was their first win of the season and makes them worthy candidates for team of the week.

The seniors and U15s travelled to Worth. The U15As continued their impressive form winning 39-7. The U15Bs were incredibly unlucky not to win their match - the final score of 26-22 did not reflect their performance. The seniors had a good afternoon with the 3^rd XV winning their second game in a week, putting a huge scoreline of 42-0 on their opponents. The 2^nd XV struggled in the conditions and never got a foot hold in their match. This, combined with the loss of players to cover injuries gave them an impossible task but they stuck at it, never wanting to give up. The 1^st XV got back to winning ways with a comfortable 40-20 win, counter-attacking well and scoring several team tries.

Overall, another outstanding block – well done to all the boys who were involved on the weekend. There is just one more block to go against Magdalen College School, Oxford. With ALL matches kicking off at 2pm I know it will be well supported by parents – we look forward to seeing you all there.

DM