After one of the finest seasons in the School�s history the 1st XV launched the new season with the traditional fixture against Old Ellesmerians. This historic match stretches back many years when last year�s leavers return to make an U19 side to face the School 1st XV.

Ellesmere has many well known Old Ellesmerians in its ranks, including a previous Captain of England in Bill Beaumont CBE, and so the importance of this fixture, which attracts a crowd of enthusiastic spectators makes it an important feature in the school calendar.

The Old Ellesmerian side contained players that had been involved in England U18 trials last season, some that played for the Irish Exiles and others that had played for North Wales and the Welsh Exiles. The school side was boosted by the return of England U16 winger Colin Dickson and England U16A flanker Louis Chaudron. Other players new to the School included, Angus Compton-Bowyer from Australia who played for New South Wales U17, Pierro Dominguez (son of Diego Dominguez capped 74 times for Italy), and Nikoloz Gamkrelidze who played for Georgia U16.

The newly launched Ian Beer Rugby Scholarship, an 80th Birthday gift for this former Ellesmere College Headmaster and President of the RFU, has been awarded to Colin Dickson. We are looking forward to Ian returning to the School to meet Colin and present his scholarship later in the term.

Alex Murphy, Rugby Academy Coach, gave the following Match Report: �The game began with the Ellesmere XV playing in the wrong areas of the pitch which led to some early pressure from the Old Ellesmerians but they were unable to capitalise after some strong defence. Eventually the Ellesmere forwards began to get a hold on the game and provide a good platform for the backs to play off. This eventually led to Colin Dickson scoring the first try. The first XV continued to frustrate by being unable to go through the phases and giving far too much ball away and with the OE team putting up a good level of resistance, the game became a scrappy affair. Eventually, the Ellesmere backs kicked for territory through Angus Compton and were able to pile on the pressure which resulted in Louis Chaudron powering his way over the Old Ellesmerian try line. Half time saw the Ellesmere XV make several changes. Last years� Captain and Head Boy Tom King managed to get on the score board with a well deserved try. With strict orders to tighten up play the Ellesmere XV managed to retain the ball and as the Old Ellesmerians began to tire, they were able to move the ball wide for Ben Spaven to score under the posts. This was converted by Angus Compton. The Old Ellesmerians were able to have the final say with Ricky Martoccia crossing the whitewash. Final Score: Ellesmere XV 17.  O.E�s 10.�

15th September 2011  Back to News