A 22 man year 11 squad faced Myton at home in an arm wrestle at the College to start the schools Rugby season.

A dominant first half pack smashed the scrums and gave a base for the squad to build upon. The tight five of Tom W, Lewis S, Will H, Austn O and Callum M deserve huge credit for this.  It was from here in the first 3 minutes that a ball against the head saw Cade B take full advantage as he went over from scrum half from 5 m out. Odd errors did creep in with handling and accuracy, but defence was awesome in the first half notably from Austin O, Joe C, George P  and out wide Harry L. ably assisted by Oli G. at full back.  Myton to their credit were a hard-working Jackling and tackling side that won ball back when Southam ran out of steam. That noted, Charlie P was excellent at second phase ball carrying, he always got beyond the gain line. It was a move like this from a ruck that saw a Southam penalty from a rare Myton offside. Will H went over, using his power to drive past several Myton defenders – aided by an ever energetic display by Lewis S.

Things looked to be going to plan when Chalie S linked well with his partners Thomas H and Sam R. A typical run from the 10m line saw him outflank the Myton defence. Southam failed to convert however and only 15 points was not a fair reflection on the dominance of ball and of rucking that Southam had and deserved. The best try ended the half, after a great 5o/22 from Cade B, Southam won a line out – a catch and drive ,followed by a sweeping move by the bac ks to the other corner seeing Ali M stopped short. George P off the final ruck scored. 20 – 0 at half time. This phase is the way we need and can play lads, but accuracy and cohesion need to be shown like this more as the season progresses.

The second half changes went in and Southam remained dominant in the pack, strong scrumagers like Dan B, Haden W, and Ephram D and Drew C ensured this. The hardworking Tommy B also put a shift in around the park. Unfortunately, the penalty count rightly went against Southam for silly offsides, especially around the ruck. Fast off the line is what we want ,rather than ‘in at the side’ or ‘ off our feet’. This can all be reviewed in training lads. Myton’s tails were up as we let them gain territory with these errors. Tries were only stopped through last ditch tackles from Harry L , Austin O and Charlie F. It was Charlie F that made a great break later on that nearly resulted in a brilliant try. It was however Harry L that got the try after a bizarre turn events. In a lucid move from the backs down the line (when Joe C had won the ball), Harry showed the winger inside outside and then back in to go over. Great score ….or so we thought. In going under the posts, he was judged to have gone over the dead ball line! Shock and horror turned to glee as the following drop out went straight back to Harry who ran straight back at the opposition as he dived over the line for a deserved ( second time ) try.

Southam did become their own worst enemy by putting pressure on themselves by giving penalties away again. This gave territory to Myton. James E on the right wing made 3 text book crunching tackles to show the lads how to do it ,but even he could not stop a try that hit at heart of the defence. Rare, slipped tackles saw Myton go over and convert. A reply was needed and off kick off Thomas H, who dominated midfield in tackle and movement ran in a great solo finish. This was converted by Charlie S.   Myton scrapped well and in an ill mannered final quarter went over in the corner, With 5 to go Southam were again galvanised into attacking action: Austin O, Charlie F and Thomas H all went close. 1 or more should have been turned into points if team cohesion ( seen in the first half) had occurred. Nevertheless a 32 – 12 win was a good outing but could and should have been so much more with a little more composure and accuracy.  A huge thank you to Mr Bennet – society ref that stepped in to ref at short notice, this was much appreciated.

Work ons: off side discipline ( too many penalties), fitness and line speed, ( line speed was at times excellent – just maintain it through fitness) handling linked to decision making,  Oh and conversions 42 – 12 sounds far better than 32 -12.

Positives: presentation, hard line attacking running, scrummages, Jackling and tackling – first time and scramble were ( in the main) v good by most. All players gave 100% effort – but this is expected from a great set of lads. .

Man of Match: Harry L for attack and defensive work, (closely followed By George P).