U13A v St Andrew’s Prep, Eastbourne
The U13s travelled to St Andrew’s, facing strong opponents with a few key players missing from our side. St Andrew’s demonstrated robust tackling skills and were particularly effective at the breakdown. In the first half, playing downhill, we managed to orchestrate some runs and set up a few phases, but we often turned the ball over. St Andrew’s capitalised on this, scoring from a ruck on the blind side after applying sustained pressure in our 22m zone. This initial score deflated our team momentarily, allowing St Andrew’s to tally additional points.
However, we managed to shift the momentum by effectively kicking and pinning them in their half. A strategic play from a scrum led to Finn, acting as fly half, passing to Tommy who executed a powerful crash run, breaking through to score. We carried this momentum into the last five minutes of the half, maintaining possession and strategically kicking for territory.
The second half proved more challenging as we faced an uphill battle, both literally and figuratively. We were mostly confined to our half, with brief escapes coming through kicks. Despite a promising start from a kick-off, St Andrew’s managed to break free and utilised the open space effectively. The second half was tough, but the boys, though tired, continued to put forth a strong effort. We struggled with the speed to rucks, often losing possession shortly after gaining it. This aspect will be a primary focus in Monday’s training session as we aim to improve our responsiveness and maintain better control over the ball at the brake down.
U12A vs St Andrew’s Prep, Eastbourne
A difficult match for the U12A team today, but an important lesson in not giving up. The first half saw us struggling to tackle which led to St Andrews making several break throughs, when we had ball in hand we secured it well in the breakdown but faced issues when going forward with it.
After a period of reflections on the positives and negatives of the first half the team knew what we needed to work on. We hit the ground running when the whistle blew and played some quality rugby, but we couldn’t break through the defensive line. Player of the match was Digby for his tireless efforts in both attack and defence.
U11A at IAPS Rugby Tournament
On Monday the Colts A team represented the school admirably at the IAPS rugby festival hosted by Brighton College. They competed valiantly in a series of matches, securing wins against St Andrews (15-5) and Colfes (15-0), while enduring a loss to Westbourne House (5-15) and St Christophers (0-20), and drawing with Broomwood (10-10).
Despite progressively worsening weather conditions throughout the day, the boys showcased excellent rugby skills and sportsmanship. It was a fantastic outing, and they were a joy to accompany. They truly served as outstanding ambassadors for the school!
U11A vs St Andrew’s Prep, Eastbourne
U11B vs St Andrew’s Prep, Eastbourne
With a playing record of played 2, won 2, from the first rugby matches of the season last week, confidence was high, going into our first away match of the season, down on the Sunshine Coast at Eastbourne. Yes, the sun shone, the sky was blue but golly it was cold. I had my thick school jacket on – the first time in November for quite a few years. Normally, it is held in reserve for the hockey season and for places like Sutton Valence!
After a rigorous, focussed, intense warm up, the boys were ready for the match and for all to put a full shift in. A rallying pre match pep talk completed, the game started and Holmewood going up the steep hill started brightly, converting chances, passing the ball well and with good hands. Tries were shared out amongst the team – if only the tackles were! Charlie Waddell must get a mention for nailing tackle after tackle, keeping the opposition at bay. With the slope to our advantage and going down the hill in the second half, more team tries were scored and the final result was St. Andrew’s 20 – Holmewood House 50. A mighty impressive performance away from home! Now the attention must switch to a really tough match next week against local rivals, The Schools at Somerhill. Well played boys and what a great first full contact game that was for some of you. Keep enjoying your rugby, train well and the results will continue to follow. The team – Freddy B, Hugo B, Jasper B, Oscar J, James McCombie, Tadiwa N, Charles W[Captain], Rafe B, Samuel H.
U10A
The under 10 A’s played Saint Andrews on Wednesday afternoon. It was a very tough game for both teams. The wind was bitterly cold and both teams really struggled to keep hold of the ball. Saint Andrews physicality in the tackle was the difference between the two teams, even though Holmewood play some really good running rugby we just couldn’t break their defence enough times to win the game . Very proud of the boys for putting all the effort and putting into practice all the things we have trained for the last couple of days, but it wasn’t quite enough to beat Saint Andrews this week
U10B
This week saw the under 10bs take on St Andrews. On a cold afternoon the boys put in a superb display. The first half was excellent not missing a tackle and scoring some wonderful team tries. The second half continued with some perfect rucking and counter rucking. All of this combined saw a convincing victory to continue a strong start to the season!
