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.