Week 2 Rugby Report

After the first full week of training, the rugby club took on the challenge of St George’s, Weybridge. The fixture card has been designed to be challenging and this was certainly due to be a baptism of fire. The 1^st and 2^nd XV travelled away and both suffered losses. The 2^nd XV struggled to get a foothold in their game and the opposition was dominant. The first half saw the 1^st XV struggle to get their hands on the ball and some ill-discipline allowed the opposition to spend most of the match camped in the Pangbourne half. The second half saw a more sustained period of pressure but points were not forthcoming. A frustrating afternoon ended 18-7 to a strong opposition.

The U16s and U15As had a mixed afternoon with the A teams both winning convincingly and the B teams suffering losses. The U15As dominated from the first whistle and played as one. The scoreline of 58-0 represents a superb afternoon rugby and, with some players rested soon into the second half, it could have been higher. The U16s continue their good season following their opening run out against Eton. The pack was dominant and some superb interplay led to a number of tries being scored. The 31-17 win was an excellent return on the effort and commitment they have shown during training. Whilst the B teams didn’t win their matches, the U15Bs put up an excellent fight and crossing for the first try of the match in the early minutes of the match gave the opposition a real scare. It was unfortunate that they eventually went down 12-19 but it could have easily been a different story.

For the U14s this was their first real opportunity to represent the College. They did not disappoint and despite the results not going their way, showed incredibly spirit throughout the afternoon. Both A and B teams had moments of excellence and it is important that they harness this as they progress forward in the season.

Finally, the 3^rd XV started their season hosting Radley 6^th XV. Whilst this may appear like a mismatch of teams, the massive number of students available to the Radley Coaches means that this was a competitive fixture.  The rugby played was superb and, despite the physical nature of the sport, was played in excellent spirit. The 3^rd XV crossed the line a number of times and came out eventual winners 29-17.

After a tough weekend, all teams must regroup quickly as we have a double header of derby matches this week. We look forward to hosting Shiplake on Wednesday and Lord Wandsworth on Saturday. Good luck to all our boys!

Week 1 Rugby Report

Ahead of the rugby season and the new term, the U16 and Senior squads enjoyed a couple of days of training at the College with the seniors enjoying a worthwhile tournament at Shiplake College. These gave the boys an opportunity to blow out the summer cobwebs and get some match time under their belt.

The first week saw all teams train with intensity and passion. Particular mention must go to the new Form 3 boys who look like they are going to turn into a couple of formidable U14 teams. On Saturday it was just the seniors and U16s who had training fixtures and we welcomed Eton and Radley to the College. The U16s did well against their Eton counterparts and whilst the result didn't go their way, their coaches, Mr Frost and Mr Cheney were incredibly impressed with their determination and the way they grew into the game.  The same was true for the seconda XV who turned out against a strong Radley 2nd XV. Matching up team for team with schools considerably larger than us is always a challenge but, again, they did well. Leaking a few tries early on was inevitable but they turned it around and the second half was much closer with just one score in it.

The 1st XV hosted both Eton 2nd XV and Radley 1st XV in a triangular tournament. The team stepped up from their preseason form beating Eton 10-0. Radley were a much tougher opponent and it is testament to the high standards shown by the team that they were slightly disappointed with a 7-7 draw. The pack were dominant and the backs showed real class at times. Overall a fantastic afternoon of rugby that bodes well for the term ahead.

Hesperus Start of Term Minutes 2016

Hesperus Muster Minutes

Mr Cheney Welcomes all the boys back to the division.

New staff to the division this term; Mr Codling is Visiting Tutor on Tuesday evenings,

Mr Hobby is Visiting Tutor on Friday evenings and Mr Wynell-Mayow will be tutoring the 3^rd form.

Mr Cheney’s Non-negotiables for the house are as follows:

·         Promptness for lessons, ensure Hesperiods leave the house 5 minutes early.

·         During prep silence is observed and pupils remain in their own cabins.

·         If in house during study time in the day pupils work in cabins quietly. No pupils to be in gun room playing pool, table tennis or watching TV.

·         No Sin Bins or Detentions as this effects our performance in the parade cup.

·         Uniform and dress, black socks, shoes polished, uniform clean, haircuts off the ears and collar and not excessively long on top.

·         Rooms; beds made, bins emptied and bedding changed at least once a week.

Goals for Hesperus this term

1.      Win Parade on the 18^th – All pupils No1s to be brought into college for Monday to be given to Gail to be dry cleaned.

2.      Divisional Music all pupils must commit to rehearsals

3.      Div Rugby later this term

4.      Winning Headmasters cup.

5.      Mr Cheney has set a challenge for all pupils to aim for an effort grade of 3 in all of their subjects.

Upcoming Events:

The house trip next Wednesday is to Banbury for an afternoon of team building. Leave at 13:30 packed lunches provided and we will return around 18:30 and we will have a house BBQ.

Paint ball trip this Sunday please give your name to Mr Cheney if you want to go.

House initiatives

House 100% training lead by Tom Nash

Alternative Wednesday Pizza night boycotting Dominos

House garden and veg patch

Weekend Sunday family trips