Rugby Report

Last week was another busy one for the rugby club with 4 four key events taking place.

Firstly, on Tuesday, the College hosted the first of the annual Berkshire 7s series - the U14s. The 10 man Pangbourne squad dominated the tournament, playing free flowing rugby and scoring tries from all areas of the pitch. They won the final with a convincing win over Forest School. This was their first taste of Rugby 7s so they should be incredibly pleased with the rugby they played.

 On Wednesday, Dunbar played in a triangular tournament Against St Neots and Reddam House. Again, Pangbourne Rugby came out on top with convincing displays from the large squad and victories against both opposition. The Dunbar boys are working hard to improve their skill level and this is paying off in matches.

 The 1st XV continued their journey through the Natwest Vase. Having already reached the furthest stage of the tournament of any Pangbourne side in the last 14 years the team have done incredibly well. The semi final against St Ambrose was always going to be tough but the squad was prepared and ready for the challenge. The match itself showed some great rugby with some superb tries scored. At half time Pangbourne were within touching distance of St Ambrose, a great solo effort from James Costin Pratt being a highlight. In the second half, another well worked try for Will Vaughan showed what the team was capable of but the team struggled to really get a firm grip on the match and it ended 12-28 to St Ambrose. Losing at this stage of the tournament is always tough but to play at Allianz Park, home of Premiership Champions Saracens, was an incredible experience that the boys will remember for a long time. This has been an outstanding run in the national cup and the entire squad should be incredibly proud of their achievement. It is yet another example of Pangbourne punching well above its weight on the sports pitch and they have been a pleasure to coach and work with.

 Finally, the U16s headed off to the RGS Guildford 7s tournament on Sunday. This is one of the toughest tournaments on the circuit but the team have been working hard during early morning sessions and went with nothing to lose. In their group matches they beat Tiffin, St Pauls and Eton but a narrow 12-15 loss to Tonbridge put them in second place and into the Vase play offs. The semi final was tense but, after a golden try win against John Fisher School, they progressed into the final to face Hampton. Unfortunately this was one game too far but to come runners up in a tournament which included a number of the UKs top rugby schools is a huge achievement and the boys should be incredibly proud of themselves. They will now build for the Rosslyn Park 7s at the end of the term.

DM