Year 7 Rugby report.

 

This year 7 group of boys have really shown a great attitude towards their rugby. For all bar a handful it has been their first encounter with full contact rugby and they have really listened and learned how to play the game at a high tempo. Training sessions have had over 40 boys turning up for extra practice. This has made the sessions really competitive and very worthwhile, and a good learning base for the boys as a consequence we ran an ‘A’ and ‘B’ team. The ‘B’ team boys played small pitch games of 15 minute quarters and of the two games played they won all the quarters bar one against ‘A’ teams from other schools. An excellent achievement from the boys.

The ‘A’ team have had an outstanding season. They have been the best group of players I have coached in 30 years at Theale. They listen and take on board the skills and tactics covered and have been able to replicate them in the pressure cooker of the games.

They have been introduced to 10, 12 and 15 a side games over the term and have been good enough to adapt to the different game plays these games demand with ease.

The early season saw the boys beating Little Heath, Willink, Downs, Kennet and Maiden Erleigh. in full pitch matches. After half term in the Newbury RFC floodlit the team finished as champions, once again coming away unbeaten in their matches.

To finish off a quite remarkable season a squad of boys played in the Berkshire RFU county tournament where they played 8 games against the best teams in the county; winning their way through to the final with some stunning running rugby. The only loss of the season coming in the final against Reading Blue Coat, where we just ran out of steam. The boys were a credit to the school not only for their rugby but also in the manner they behaved throughout the day. Kieron Conway was voted player of the tournament from over 500 boys playing on the day. A well deserved award for his efforts throughout the day

Over the season the team played 17 games winning 15 drawing 1 and losing 1 scoring 408 against 91 conceded.

 

A quite remarkable achievement when only 3 of the boys play regular rugby for local clubs.

We look forward to next season with baited breath.

 

Below Kieron Conway and the winning team: