U13A vs St Andrew’s Prep, Eastbourne
This match was one where we learned a lot about ourselves. We learnt that if we turn up with a negative attitude, then that would be reflected in how we played. This showed in the first 10 minutes when we conceded a flurry of tries against big opposition who ran hard and straight. What we also found out about ourselves is that with a more positive mindset, we get more positive results. As the game progressed we started to believe in ourselves and held our own in the contest. Some strong performances from Joel who as a year 7 did run with purpose and Digby who ran positively, tackled with intent and made some good decisions with the ball in his hand. There were many positives from this game that we can build on but also areas that we can identify need to be worked on which will be evident from the video analysis session to follow!
U13B vs St Andrew’s Prep (25-20 W)
The U13B team produced a confident and composed performance today, showcasing their growing maturity, strength, and teamwork across the pitch. From the opening whistle, Holmewood looked the stronger side—dominant in the contact area, organised in defence, and relentless in their tackling. The boys controlled the tempo well and consistently put pressure on the opposition with their physicality and sharp decision-making. We finished the half up by 10 points, but it was still anyone’s game to win.
The squad’s commitment to the tackle line was outstanding. Time and time again, players stepped up with brave, accurate tackles that shut down any momentum the opposition tried to build. We finished with a well deserved victory.
Pelumi was man of the match and exceptional throughout. His powerful, determined runs repeatedly broke the defensive line, gaining vital territory and energising the whole team. Beyond his attacking threat, his work rate and dedication in every aspect of play stood out—chasing down loose balls, supporting teammates, and putting in strong tackles when needed. He set the tone for the team’s intensity and was a constant problem for the opposition defence.
U12A vs St Andrew’s Prep, Eastbourne
The U12s travelled to Eastbourne after a morning of rain and even brief snow flurries, but despite being a few players down through injury, the boys remained positive and focused. By the time the match kicked off, the sun had begun to break through, setting the scene for an entertaining and hard-fought contest.
St Andrew’s brought significant physicality from the outset, but Holmewood matched them well at the breakdown, rucking strongly and competing bravely for every ball. Louis CJ and Charlie carried hard, using powerful crash balls to put pressure on the defence. However, with the attacking line a little flat at times, we struggled to generate enough depth and pace to consistently break through. In open play, St Andrew’s speed and strength proved decisive as they steadily added to their score.
Midway through the second half, Holmewood found their rhythm. By moving the ball away from congested areas more quickly and playing into space, the boys produced a much more even contest, crashing over the try line for 15 well-earned points and finishing the game strongly. The final score of 30–15 reflected a spirited effort from a side low on numbers but high on determination.
With both defensive shape and attacking organisation set to be key focuses in training, there is plenty of promise in this U12 group. A committed performance in challenging circumstances — well done, boys.
U12 Touch Team vs St Andrew’s Prep, Eastbourne
The U12 touch rugby team travelled to St Andrew’s and delivered a strong, confident performance despite the bitterly cold conditions. From the outset, Holmewood’s handling stood out — the boys drew defenders in effectively before moving the ball wide with sharp, accurate passing that consistently put their teammates into space.
Their organisation in attack and decision-making under pressure were excellent, allowing them to control the tempo and maintain momentum throughout the match. Morale remained high from start to finish, and the team’s positivity and energy were reflected in a convincing victory over a competitive St Andrew’s side.
A superb display of skill, teamwork and composure!
U11A vs St Andrew’s Prep, Eastbourne
In the morning it was so bitterly cold that sleet was falling from the sky, but that wasn’t enough to stop our fixture against St Andrew’s from going ahead. Knowing we were facing tough opponents, the boys made the tactical decision to play downhill in the first half.
St Andrew’s started strongly, bursting out of the blocks to score two early tries. Holmewood responded well with a try of our own, but St Andrew’s regained control and dominated much of the first half with their powerful running and quick support play.
The second half, however, was a different story. Both sides produced some wonderful rugby, with Holmewood showing far more organisation, determination, and spirit across the pitch. Although St Andrew’s ultimately won the match 30–10, there were plenty of positives to take — particularly the resilience shown after a challenging first half.
A spirited performance in tough conditions, with lots to build on moving forward.
U11B vs St Andrew’s Prep, Eastbourne
For the Colts B team, this was their first outing of the season, so all were really looking forward to a contact match – the boys trained well in the warm up and were determined from the outset. With St. Andrew’s bringing 8 players, all boys rotated on and off to give all as many match time minutes on the pitch as possible. There was straight running, quick handling, good link up, rucking and very few drops, despite it being a cold, muddy afternoon. All round the rugby was free flowing and very impressive for a first game of the season. The boys had clearly taken on board all the training sessions and applied it in a match situation. Tries were scored at regular intervals by different players. Kick offs were taken by most of the team for practice, so all were fully involved on a chilly afternoon. What a great start to the session – 50 points to 10 victory. Now for the second match of the season against Somerhill, so training will be critical on both Friday and Monday. Well played boys! PM-J
U10B vs St Andrew’s Prep, Eastbourne
The mixed U10 A/B rugby team travelled to St Andrew’s and hit the ground running in what proved to be an exciting, end-to-end contest. From the start, the pupils moved the ball confidently into space, secured possession well at the breakdown, and showed great awareness in attack. Their efforts were rewarded with eight well-worked tries, many of which came from excellent support play and sharp decision-making.
St Andrew’s were equally impressive, matching Holmewood’s intensity and skill throughout the match. They, too, scored eight tries, making for a highly competitive and entertaining fixture where both sides played with real commitment and quality.
A fantastic performance from all involved and a very well-played, evenly matched game.
U9A vs The New Beacon
On a bitterly cold afternoon, the U9A team produced an excellent start to their season with two strong performances against New Beacon. The boys opened with a convincing 25–10 win over the New Beacon A team, followed by an equally impressive 30–5 victory against their B team.
From the very first whistle, the team came together superbly. Their defensive commitment was outstanding, with every player tackling bravely and repeatedly stopping New Beacon’s runners in their tracks. In attack, the boys grew in confidence as the games progressed, moving the ball wide with increasing accuracy and finishing several flowing moves in the corners.
It was a terrific start to the season, full of teamwork, determination and exciting rugby. The boys should be very proud — and we’re already looking forward to the next match!
