U13A vs Saint Ronan’s School
Holmewood House came prepared for one of their tougher games of the season against an always very capable opposition. Without doubt this was the best performance of the season. For much of this season the team has struggled to maintain a physicality to compete in the breakdown. In this game the team showed great resilience and determination to stop the opposition from breaching our defensive line. Unquestionably, we completed more tackles in this game than any other game this season. This was despite the fact that St Ronan’s scored very early on which could have resulted in a landslide but Holmewood pulled up their sleeves and rose to the occasion. Not only did they defend with such passion but they also showed a directness in attack which has been missing for part of this year. Jonathon certainly took the game to the opposition in attack with some strong and forceful carries which breached the opposition defence. He ended with a well deserved hat trick. Joel too showed how he will continue to be a force for the team next year. Holmewood managed to keep the game to within 2 scores throughout the match right up until the last play when they conceded an interception try while trying to force the game. The diminutive figure of Pelumi was given the man of the match award for the bravery he showed in the tackle. At one point it was counted that he made 3 consecutive tackles after forcing the opposition to the ground and then back in the game to make the next one. Well done to everyone who showed a true Holmewood spirit.
U12A vs Saint Ronan’s School
After a lengthy journey to St Ronan’s, we arrived at a magnificent First XV pitch, which was notably larger than those to which we are accustomed. At half-time, the scores remained very close; we were not yet playing at our best and knew that a strong final 20 minutes would be required to secure victory.
The second half was one of the finest rugby performances I have witnessed in a prep school match. We dominated the contact areas, executed highly intricate moves with excellent precision, and demonstrated outstanding commitment throughout. What had been a tightly contested game transformed into a convincing win, and I could not have asked for more from the students.
U11A vs Saint Ronan’s School
Finally, we were treated to a perfect afternoon for contact rugby as we took on St Ronan’s in what proved to be a high-quality and competitive fixture. Both sides played some excellent rugby, and it was clear that recent training sessions — including work on the astro and in challenging frosty conditions — had paid dividends, particularly in terms of ball handling and support play.
St Ronan’s made good use of the slope in the first half and went into the break leading 15–5, leaving everything to play for after half-time. Unfortunately, the opening ten minutes of the second half proved decisive, as St Ronan’s scored a couple of well-taken tries to extend their advantage.
To their credit, the boys battled hard and responded with a couple of excellent tries of their own, showing real determination and resilience. Despite the final score of 30–15 in St Ronan’s favour, it was a tremendous contest played in great spirit, and a valuable learning experience for the team.
U11B vs Saint Ronan’s School
What a spectacle this was – a feast of fast flowing rugby with every single boy on the pitch giving everything for the cause. Fabulous handling from both sides, strong straight running, quick off loads and some strong tackling. This was rugby for connoisseurs of the game and a joy to watch and referee. Two talented, evenly contested sides made for a great game on an afternoon made for rugby. Mud, glorious mud, but what a show the boys put for the crowds that came to watch, supplemented by the A team supporting their friends in the last few minutes of the match. Well done boys – I am so proud of each and every one of you, as you put so much of what we practice on a Monday and Friday into the match situation today – let’s take this forward now for our final match of the season next Wednesday. A superb win in a tight game 45-35! Keep enjoying the game boys and playing with those fabulous smiles on your faces. Roll on next Wednesday!
U11C vs Saint Ronan’s School
The U11C team produced a strong and determined performance against Saint Ronan’s in their final touch rugby match to secure a 35–30 victory. In a closely contested match, the boys showed great resilience and teamwork, managing the game well in key moments to edge out their opponents and earn a deserved win.
U10A vs Saint Ronan’s School
The U10A team travelled to Saint Ronan’s to play on a pitch that had endured a great deal of rain, making conditions challenging throughout. Playing uphill in the first half, the boys found themselves under early pressure. Saint Ronan’s were assertive in attack, breaking through contact in the opening phases and scoring in the opening minute. A series of knock-ons and assertive opposition play saw Holmewood quickly fall 15–0 behind.
Despite this, the boys showed good resilience. They rucked well and tackled bravely in open play, gradually finding their way into the game. In the closing moments of the first half, Holmewood began to move the ball away from congested areas, linking passes well to stretch the defence across the pitch. Sustained pressure followed, and Eddie crashed over the try line to reduce the deficit to 15–5 at half-time.
The second half was far more evenly contested. While Holmewood occasionally dropped the ball at key moments and were sometimes forced into touch after spreading play wide, the overall balance of the game improved. Both teams scored two tries in the half — Teddy finishing from close range after a restart, and George powering over in open play following a strong carry.
It was a hard-fought and evenly matched contest played in difficult conditions, with plenty of positives for the boys to take forward. Next week, the boys will travel to Tonbridge School to compete in a large tournament, facing schools from across the region as well as local rivals — an exciting challenge to look forward to.
U10B vs Saint Ronan’s School
The Under 10B side lost a tough game away at St. Ronan’s. The boys were a little rusty after the Christmas break but improved dramatically in the second half with some superb tackling from Leo, Mylo, Theo and Gabriel to name just a few. There was also some wonderful running rugby on display and the boys worked hard to improve their awareness of space and running lines as the game progressed. Player of the match was Leo, who was incredible for someone playing their first game of competitive rugby! Well done, boys.
U10C vs Saint Ronan’s School
The U10C team travelled to Saint Ronan’s for their final rugby match of the season and, in an exciting and high-scoring contest, narrowly lost 50–40 after a spirited performance.
U8 & U9 Fixtures
After further sustained rainfall on Thursday, we were unfortunately forced to cancel fixtures and rugby training once again. It has been a disappointing start to the new year, with a series of unavoidable weather-related disruptions impacting what is usually a very busy and well-structured rugby programme.
We do, however, still have one final rugby fixture next week before the transition to hockey. The U9s are due to play Dulwich Prep, Cranbrook, while the U8s will travel to Somerhill for their final match of the season.
We are now drawing close to the start of the hockey season, which begins on 26th January, and we are very much looking forward to a fresh block of fixtures and competitions as we move into the next phase of the sporting calendar.
