Sports round-up
·18 October 2024
Won 6-5. A fantastic match against LEH, the ball was up and down the pitch with a very close final score of 6-5. It was an excellent game and sets us in good stead for the county tournament with Anna O gaining player of the match.
The U16A team delivered an impressive performance in their first round match of the Sisters in Sport shield, clinching a well-deserved victory in a thrilling and competitive game.
From the start, they showcased excellent skill and teamwork the squad executing seamless passing and strategic movement, while their defence applied pressure to force key turnovers. The shooting duo shone brightly, consistently finding the net, supported by tireless mid-court players who orchestrated dynamic plays. Well done to all involved and ready for Round 2 next Friday!
Lost 7-10. A narrow defeat at home to Wallington, saw the 1st XV dominate territory and possession throughout the second half, but frustrated not to turn this advantage into points. An opportunity to tie the game through a penalty kick was turned down in favour of pursuit of the win, which is to be applauded, but ultimately was unrewarded.
Won 29-19. A vast improvement on previous outings, the team worked hard as a collective, rewarded on the scoreboard, with Lukka’s dummy to score under the posts a highlight, Sam N’s work rate outstanding, the genuine sense of enjoyment and teamwork palpable across the squad.
Lost 0-31. Something of a reality check for the U15A, as a sizeable Wallington pack kept Claremont on the back foot all morning, the visitors devoid of quick ball, with both centres unable to escape the hosts’ swift press. Five tries to none tells the tale, despite a much improved second half. Wallington carried hard, offloaded well and squeezed the life from a Claremont team that lost both Corkery and Cook to pre match injuries, further denuding the physical response.
A salutary lesson on arriving in the mood, primed to play; a first half spent camped in our own half, without exit options, can be somewhat landed on a dew saturated pitch, but does imply a lack of readiness to meet a large and well drilled opponent. We move on as always…
Lost 7-59. An underwhelming day for the U15A, well beaten by a well drilled Hampton team, but frequently the architects of their own demise, a lack of urgency at the breakdown and some lacklustre tackling handing the visitors the initiative on too many occasions. Individuals were turned over on the deck, lacking support at rucks where Hampton’s predatory jackalers picked off possession all afternoon. Hampton played well, aggressive in defence, clinical in attack. Claremont improved in the second half, a recurrent theme this term, and battled hard for their solitary try from Adam P, but two tough matches on the bounce have exposed areas to work on.
Won 50-10. Wallington arrived with only 13 players so instantly the team had the feeling they were on top. However, the shock of having a team of athletes running at them came as a surprise, so much so that they let an early try in. However, that was the spark that was required and as ever, Giles went over to bring the scores level and from the restart, Charlie ran the length of the field to score. These two moments of individual brilliance shattered the Wallington resistance and from then on, this game should have been a procession. But to their credit, Wallington kept challenging, and it took strong tackling and work at the break down to keep Wallington at bay. With ball in hand, the running was just too elusive, with Ed, Lucas creating their own scores and Archie and Patrick benefitting from excellent support running. After every try, Eden slotted the conversion, even from the touch line. As the second half progressed, a number of changes were made. The back line was almost entirely replaced, but rather than this causing an issue, this group began to use more complex moves to create space and make ground.
All in all, a very solid and impressive performance. The ball carriers dominated the game, but other players showed how effective they can be in different roles around the field. Ed C was a powerhouse in the scrum and all over the park richly deserving his player of the game award.
Won 35-17. The U14Bs came away with their 4th successive victory of the season in a tight, bruising, well contested 35-17-win. Elliot G scored a double, including a length of the field intercept try, with Josh M and Robbie W chipping in with a try each. Ryan K was the stand-out forward with a huge number of tackles in the second half with Robbie W the stand-out back.
Won 55-5. In a dazzling 55-5 victory over WGC, the U13A team shone brightly: Player of the Match Jack D was everywhere like a rugby-playing octopus, Tom C tackled and ran with bulldog tenacity, Leo B scored a hat-trick worthy of applause, Hugo B bulldozed through the centres, Elijah H orchestrated plays like a maestro, Jay V was key to the teams’ defensive brick wall, and Harry B at scrum-half was electric and cheeky. Well done, team!
Won 55-0. The U13B team continued their form on Saturday against Wallington Grammar school posting a 55-0 win. The boys were well set up and showed great team spirt and worked well as a unit, dominating the game and not allowing the opposition any chance of scoring with some great tackling especially from George P. The scorers were Freddie H 2, Alex MS 2, Milo 1 and Tom G 1. Top scorer and player of the match was Roshi with 4 tries.
Won 8-1. A fine performance by the U12A team against Wallington County Grammar school. They have worked hard throughout September and many aspects of their play came together as they ran out 8-1 winners. Most pleasing was their willingness to look for each other in open play, keeping the ball alive and, in doing so, playing entertaining rugby that was much enjoyed by their parents. Deserved congratulations to the squad.
Won 9-6. The U12B continued to improve scoring a rapid 5 tries before, as a whole group forgetting how to tackle, allowing Wallington back in the game. After a good team talk the boys really stepped up dominating the second half. Alex as captain, lead by example, scoring 4 tries and making some excellent tackles.