Our 1st XV Rugby team achieved a stunning victory today, playing in the fourth round of the National U18 Vase competition against Simon Langton Grammar School for Boys. The win sees us progress to the last 16 of the competition.

Captained by Tyler Weekes (Upper Sixth), SVS won 36-7 despite the slippery, muddy conditions. It was fantastic to see the School community come together to support the team. Tyler kindly wrote a fantastic match report below:

‘The 1st XV squad took on a tough Simon Langton side in round four of the National Vase. We started off strong by putting pressure on them from kickoff as we practised from the previous games. 

We received the kickoff and with a strong carry from Alfie Jarrett (Lower Sixth), we were able to release the pressure and get ourselves on the front foot after being placed deep into our 22. 

We carried on this form throughout the first 20 minutes being able to score two tries, after being kicked through and a fumble from the defence both times so we remained on top, however with a lapse in concentration from us within the end of 25 minutes, they were able to put a try on our previous two. 

At the end of a half that we made difficult for ourselves, it was ended 17-7 to SVS. Going into the second half, with a stern word from myself and Mr Howell, we were able to get our heads back on and start the second half how we began the first. 

We were able to do this in stunning form, with strong tackles and carries from our forwards and players like Tom Barton making a difference both in attack and defence. We were able to slot between their defence and put some more tries on Simon Langton in the second half. We ended the game with a victorious score of 36-7, putting us through to the last 16 of the Vase. 

Special mentions to Joe Savage (Upper Sixth) and Max Lindsay (Fifth Form), who put in incredible performances against a tough side on their debuts for the 1XV Rugby team. Well done to all in the team for their constant outstanding efforts for us to be so deep in a national competition.’

Mr Howell, Head of Rugby, added, ‘The game was played in difficult conditions with both sides looking to play expansive rugby, not really in keeping with the conditions, but credit to both teams for looking to play fast and free. Simon Langton was an extremely difficult team to break down but despite their best efforts, our team showed a little more in the way of physical dominance, speed and guile.’

Try scorers were Oliver Murch, Jacob Ray (two), Oscar Vas and Tyler Weekes (two).

The last time the 1st XV lost a home match was 12th November 2016. The team have won their last 25 matches at home and haven’t lost a 1st XV match in the last 36 games played, with only one draw and the rest wins. This is such an incredible achievement and we are very proud of you all.

Squad:

Tom Barton (Upper Sixth)

Jasper Benson (Upper Sixth)

Alexander Bowyer (Upper Sixth)

Marcus Brown (Upper Sixth)

Joshua Forknall (Upper Sixth)

Pip Hodson (Upper Sixth)

Alfie Jarrett (Lower Sixth)

Max Lindsay (Fifth Form)

Nathan Michelow – Vice-Captain (Upper Sixth)

Oliver Murch (Lower Sixth)

Oyedayo Oyerinde (Lower Sixth)

Fynn Page (Lower Sixth)

Jacob Ray (Upper Sixth)

Joe Savage (Upper Sixth)

Oscar Vas (Upper Sixth)

Tyler Weekes – Captain (Upper Sixth)

Ethan Wynne (Lower Sixth)