U13A vs The New Beacon
With 10 boys available, New Beacon kindly rotated their squad to afford us the 3 extra players to make a full team. This is always a tough fixture and the boys went into it with some trepidation. However, they started off with energy and belief which resulted in 2 tries scored in the first 15 minutes and a lead going into the second 15 minutes. Surprisingly this was also going up the hill and some courageous tackling by Beracah inspired the team to their best rugby of the season. New Beacon came back strongly and as a result of a few missed tackles managed to put some scores on the board to take the lead. Fernando showed great bravery and physicality throughout to stop the opposition in their tracks. Going into the final 15 minutes Holmewood threw caution to the wind and the double act of Tommy’s kicking and Fin’s chasing resulted in a couple of great scores. The final score was a true reflection of the game in that it shows how much effort Holmewood put in which eventually succumbed to the power and speed of New Beacon. Well done everyone on a great game!
U12A vs The New Beacon
The U12A team hosted New Beacon at Holmewood this Wednesday. Despite a victory against Saint Ronan’s the previous week, there was some apprehension about facing New Beacon. They are a team that had been struggling to secure matches and were only playing their second game of the season.
The match started with Holmewood on the attack, kicking off to New Beacon and quickly taking the offensive, managing to pin them in the corner. Eli made strong attempts, crashing over the try line twice with a powerful run, although he was held up on his second try.
As the game progressed, New Beacon began to dominate, maintaining possession and putting our defence under relentless pressure. We found ourselves challenged in open play, struggling with tackles as New Beacon’s effective passing and aggressive running allowed them to breach our defence. In response, we adjusted our strategy for the second half, managing to hold the ball longer and scoring two more tries—Charles with a remarkable solo effort from outside the 22m line, and Eli from a pick and go following a few phases of play that started inside our own half.
The game’s intensity continued to the last play, which lasted nearly five minutes with both teams keeping the ball alive until a turnover allowed New Beacon to counter and score, ending the game.
It was a tremendous effort from our team, showing signs of increased cohesion at rucks and when in attack. Moving forward, we will focus on developing our defensive organisation and tackling technique to prepare for Brighton College and Lewes Old Grammar in our final match of the season.
U11A vs The New Beacon
What a game this turned out to be for the final school match of the season and for some, their final Holmewood rugby match. A fitting finale with a very tough assignment against New Beacon. The boys warmed up well and were ready to go. 20 minutes each way – no side was going to give an inch! Tackling, off loads, strong rucking and counter rucking and ripping of the ball, were all in evidence. Holmewood took the lead with two tries in quick succession mid-way through the first half. 10-0 at half time. One further try going up the slope made it 15-0 with 10 minutes to go. One try back by New Beacon and then another in the last minute, but alas, as the final whistle blew, sporting scenes of jubilation, a rousing three cheers and a tunnel to clap the opposition off the pitch, after a fine match. Well played boys – Mr Leegood and I are so proud of your gutsy determination, fine straight running, off loads and committed tackling and all with a smile on your face. Well done boys and keep enjoying this fine game.
U11B vs The New Beacon
The Under 11B team played a well-organised New Beacon team at home on Wednesday. The first half was a well-matched contest, with both sides scoring early in a to-and-fro affair. Two excellent tries from Freddy and some superb tackling from the likes of Charlie, Oscar, Jasper and Hugo meant that Holmewood were just 4-2 down at the break. Unfortunately for them, the second half was a very different affair. With New Beacon continuing to build pressure on the home side, their overall strength and better organisation saw them score a couple of early tries, and as the Holmewood heads went down, they were unable to stem the flow of points for the away team. There were some spirited performances, but unfortunately the final score was a disappointing 10-2.
U11C vs The New Beacon
The U11C team earned a hard-fought 7-6 win against a strong New Beacon side. Both teams exchanged tries in a fast-paced match, showcasing skill and determination. With sharp passing and decisive runs, our players broke through tough defence and held their lead in the final moments for a thrilling victory. Well done boys!
U10A vs The New Beacon
The U10 A Team faced a formidable New Beacon side on Wednesday afternoon. After focusing on our defensive line in Monday’s practice, we aimed to counter New Beacon’s strong and quick attacks. Despite our efforts, New Beacon managed to score several times. However, we demonstrated a marked improvement in our attacking play, with significantly better passing that created more space for us to run into. Although the match ended in a defeat, it represented a solid improvement from the previous week.
U10B & C v The New Beacon
The U10Bs and Cs, also travelled to New Beacon for a series of competitive matches. The U10Bs faced a tough game and lost 25-45, while the U10Cs also struggled, losing 25-35. Overall, the games were thoroughly enjoyable and showcased spirited competition among the teams.
U10D vs The New Beacon
The last game of the rugby season saw us take on a tough New Beacon side. Playing on a makeshift pitch Holmewood House (HH) started the stronger of the two sides with Orlando, George and Torres looking eager to attack early on. Orlando put HH ahead with a fantastic run down the wing resulting in a brilliant solo try. This would soon become a trend in the game with Orlando and George both scoring again in a similar fashion. After a slow start, New Beacon grew into the game and battled hard to cut into the HH lead. The first half ended 25-15 to HH. An entertaining second half saw some brilliant end to end rugby with both teams scoring multiple tries to tie the score at 45-45. HH battled hardest though and managed to grab two last minute tries to win their final game of the season thanks to some brilliant passing play and good running. Final score 55-45.
