U13A vs St Michael’s Prep School, Kent
Two teams from Holmewood House played in a triangular v St Michael’s. All the games were played in a great spirit with some great passing rugby from Holmewood who scored some great team tries. It was again great to see how everyone made good contributions to the teams performance. All week we have worked on our spacing and today the boys showed how much they had taken on board which enabled them to move the ball into space quickly and it was pleasing to see how many tries were scored on the outside which shows how the team is working hard together. When needed the team carried with intent and got over the gain line to help momentum to earn the right to move the ball wide. Charlie S was top try scorer but was assisted by the strong carrying from the likes of Raff. Ed A was excellent in his communication and organisation of the team and some excellent cover tackles from Nolan and Jonathon helped to stop a few tries from a spirited St Michaels team. The smile on Pelumi’s face when he ran the length of the pitch to score a try was a highlight of the game. Well done everyone.
U12A vs St Michael’s Prep School, Kent
Holmewood travelled to St Michael’s and produced a dominant all-round performance in a physical and entertaining match, securing an impressive 35-10 victory. After a high-intensity start, Holmewood built strong momentum through powerful carries and sharp support play, running in four first-half tries despite being reduced in numbers for periods due to injury. The boys showed excellent composure and resilience, withstanding sustained pressure from St Michael’s and continuing to impose themselves physically and tactically.
The second half saw Holmewood maintain control through confident ball-handling, fearless contact and effective counter-attacking, extending their lead and sealing the result. Tries were scored by Oyewale, Ward, Beamish (3) and Arishe (2) in a performance that fully deserved the outcome, despite spirited resistance from a strong St Michael’s side.
U11A vs Somerhill
On a beautiful sunny November afternoon, the boys faced formidable opposition in Somerhill, with the match officiated by an independent referee from Brighton College. Holmewood chose to play downhill in the first half but unfortunately took too long to settle into the game. Missed first tackles allowed Somerhill to gain early momentum, and strong teams will always capitalise on those opportunities. By half-time, Holmewood trailed 25–10.
The second half was a much-improved display. The boys competed superbly at the breakdown, with outstanding rucking allowing them to win far more possession. Running with greater intent and confidence, Holmewood began to impose themselves physically and create sustained pressure.
Although the final score was a 40–20 defeat, the second-half performance showed real encouragement. The challenge now is to bring that level of intensity and competitiveness from the opening whistle and sustain it across both halves.
U11B vs Somerhill
What a wonderful afternoon of rugby as the Colts B team welcomed Somerhill to Holmewood House for the latest match in this exciting rugby season. After a vigorous warm up, with handling, pop up passes and some work going into the tackle bag, the boys were ready to get started. What was to follow was simply a feast of rugby – quality tackles, handling, distribution, rucking and counter rucking and strong running. What a standard it was for under 11 B rugby, with every boy from both sides playing their part in an absolute thriller. Holmewood scored three tries in the first half to one conceded on the stroke of half time. Somerhill came back strongly, in the second half, as we knew they would and scored two well-worked tries to level up the scores. There were the two great attacking opportunities at either end, but neither side could quite convert, so honours were quite fittingly even, as the final whistle sounded. Well played – what an advert for under 11 B rugby and I know much enjoyed by the huge support that had gathered to watch on a chilly but bright afternoon, offering perfect conditions for running rugby. Exhaustion at the final whistle, as everyone had given all they had to the cause, but with just enough energy for a rousing three cheers and a sporting tunnel, where teams could congratulate each other on a great game. PM-J
U11C vs Somerhill
What a brilliant afternoon of rugby. The U11C team faced a tough challenge against a well-drilled Somerhill side and produced a thrilling contest in front of a well spirited crowd. The first half was a real test of character, as we found ourselves down 5-1 at the break. Despite the scoreline, the boys never let their heads drop. Their determination and teamwork shone through as they regrouped and came out firing in the second half.
A superb fightback. With some quick hands, sharp running lines and great energy in defence, we clawed our way back into the game, scoring five more tries in the second half. The final whistle blew with us just one try short and agonisingly on one metre short of the try line. The resilience on show was outstanding.
Everyone contributed to this nail-biter and the improvement from start to finish was remarkable – winning the second half 5-2. It was a fantastic advert for touch rugby.
U10A vs Somerhill
The U10s travelled to Somerhill and came away with a hard-fought 20–15 victory in a thrilling, end-to-end encounter. The boys showed great determination throughout, competing strongly in a fast-paced and highly physical contest.
In attack, Holmewood were direct and powerful, carrying the ball with intent and regularly getting over the gain line. Defensively, their physicality stood out, with strong tackling and effective rucking helping them win key moments and maintain momentum. While the team will look to make better use of width and attack space out wide in future matches, their commitment and work rate were decisive in securing the win. A thoroughly deserved result in a competitive fixture — well done, boys.
U10B vs Somerhill
The U10B team travelled to Somerhill for a competitive and fast-paced fixture, eventually falling to a 17–6 defeat. Despite the result, the boys showed real progress in several areas and demonstrated an excellent attitude throughout.
When we presented the ball securely, our passing was sharp and accurate, allowing us to move the ball into space and build some promising phases. There were also periods of committed defence, with a number of strong tackles made across the team.
Our two main areas for improvement were tackling consistency and controlling the offload. Somerhill capitalised when we attempted risky offloads under pressure, and a few missed tackles gave them momentum at key moments. These are both elements we will continue to focus on in training.
Man of the Match: Harvey R, who put in an outstanding defensive performance and led the way with his determination in the tackle. The boys should be proud of their efforts and will no doubt build on this in the games to come.
U9A vs St Michael’s Prep School, Kent
The U9A rugby team recorded a fantastic victory against St Michael’s, Otford, producing a performance full of energy, skill and determination. From the opening exchanges, the boys played some very attractive yet tough rugby, combining powerful running with excellent support play to regularly threaten the opposition defence.
In attack, Holmewood took their tries with real purpose and intent, breaking the gain line and capitalising on their opportunities. Defensively, the commitment was outstanding, with players tackling their hearts out and refusing to give their opponents any easy ground.
While there is still work to be done on attacking and defensive alignment, the signs are very encouraging and improvement will come with time and experience. A fine 40–25 victory and another excellent step forward — well done, boys!
U9B Rugby vs St Michael’s & Radnor
The U9B team took part in a triangular fixture against St Michael’s and Radnor, experiencing two closely fought contests. The boys won one game and narrowly lost the other, with both matches played at a good intensity and featuring plenty of competitive rugby. Strong effort, teamwork and commitment were evident throughout a very even set of games.
U9C vs St Michael’s Prep School, Kent
The U9C team were involved in an exciting end-to-end encounter, drawing 11–11 in a fast-paced match. Both sides attacked with enthusiasm, and the boys responded well to the constant change of momentum, showing resilience and a great attitude throughout.
U8A vs St Michael’s Prep School, Kent
The U8s travelled to St Michael’s to play in split-ability teams for the first time this season, and it proved to be a very positive learning experience. In training, the focus has been on moving forwards both with and without the ball, using strong carries in the first phase to draw defenders in before moving the ball wide into space.
The boys worked hard to apply this in match situations and showed clear progress, particularly in attack. While there were some moments to reflect on defensively — with a few individuals rushing forward to tackle and some players sitting a little too deep — the overall performance was very encouraging.
The U8s played with energy, confidence and enthusiasm, winning every game they played. A great afternoon of rugby with lots of learning and development on show. Well done, boys!
