Ist XV RUGBY TEAM ENJOY STRONG START TO SEASON

1st XV have played two away matches and won on both occasions. 20/9      Denstone College, Uttoxeter      Won 65-3 This was an immensely satisfying victory against another Woodard School who are also our traditional rivals. We set and maintained a fast pace throughout the game, moving the ball wide and supporting in numbers. We enjoyed a good start moving the ball wide for Craig Gordon to beat his man on the outside and then he skipped through another couple to score. From then on the backs were always in control varying play neatly and through excellent straight lines of running and tremendous handling they dismantled the opposition. We scored some excellent tries. The best of the match was quite exceptional. Denstone took a tap penalty 10 metres from our line and set up a maul. Rich Baxter (Captain) ripped it and set off the field. Supported by Charles Coates, he then cut inside and fed Will Blackwell who released the final pass to Oliver Nevel to score under the posts. Each player released the ball just as, or before the tackle came in. Craig Gordon, Rugby Scholar was the "man of the match'. He scored seven tries in total. 27/9     Bedstone College, Bucknell, Shropshire     Won 41-10 At half-time we were losing 7-10 after playing an open game and moving the ball around. Bedstone College tackled fiercely in contrast to the game against Denstone College and we failed to win our ball at breakdowns for a number of reasons. In the second half, we kept the ball in the forwards and tied their back row in before going for the line. Not a vintage performance but the first half was a good lesson for the team and during the second half, it was pleasing to watch the team turn on the stronger play when needed.

3rd October 2003  Back to News