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An unbeaten record on our circuit stretching back to 2004 finally came to an end for the School 1st XV Rugby team. Playing against a very good side, the team made too many simple errors. Missed tackles and two golden chances not taken, cost us any chance of winning the game. Despite this the team did play some superb rugby at times and once the mistakes are ironed out the prospects look very encouraging. With the monkey finally off our backs we can all relax a little and enjoy a more normal season. JBC

  

This was a much improved all round display from the side who scored some excellent tries with forwards and backs linking well together. The defence was also rock solid and led to a number of useful turnovers. With some very tough fixtures coming up it proved to be a useful confidence boost. JBC

 

A very brave effort from the team particularly the forwards who were up against some very big boys. The tackling and organisation in defence was exceptional and certainly helped keep some dangerous runners at bay. The tries scored were excellent and the backs are really beginning to gel and put some real pace on the ball. It sets the side up perfectly for the local derby match against Maidwell Hall this Saturday. JBC

 

This was one of the best performances by a Spratton 1st XV in recent years. Physically dwarfed by their bigger players the pack tore into them right from the start. Two superb team tries were scored after multiple phases of play and some of the tackling was inspirational. The only thing missing was the final score as the team dominated the last 15 mins camped in their 22m. Despite the defeat against a far bigger school, the boys outplayed their opponents in almost every facet of the game. JBC

 

This was a superb performance from the team who scored 7 tries (1 converted) and also managed to keep the opposition out. The first half was played into a strong wind and the team kept the ball really well and kept kicking to a minimum. After the break Ben and Harry kicked intelligently to pin Maidwell deep in their own half. The forwards were once again fast around the pitch and the backs handled with pace and precision. JBC

 

After an error strewn first half the team put together a blistering second period. Some of the tries scored were brilliant to watch as forwards and backs kept the ball alive and nailed down many of the chances that were wasted earlier on. The team can now enjoy a well earned rest before a challenging second half of the season. JBC

 

After a fantastic week of training following half term the team produced a ruthless first half display against a very good side. 3 really well worked tries during the first period gave the side a comfortable buffer. The defence was brilliantly organised and apart from a couple of kicks, our 22m was rarely threatened. A fourth score late on in the second half was just reward for all the pressure and territory. The team are well set for the ultimate challenge of the season in Ireland next week. JBC

 

The 1st XV played two very tough fixtures last weekend against some of the top Irish schools. The first match v Newbridge College ended in a nail biting 19-19 draw as the team cam back from a half time deficit. The second fixture against St Michaels College saw the team produce the finest performance by a 1st XV during my 6 years at the school. Going down 8-12 against such an enormous side was an incredible achievement, with the defence being heroic throughout. A Harry Mallinder penalty with 10 mins to go put us 8-7 in front and a famous win was on the cards. Unfortunately they scored the winning try and despite wave after wave of Spratton attacks in the dying minutes we couldn’t get over the line again. Nevertheless for those who witnessed the game and the size of the opposition it was a breathtaking performance by a special group of boys. JBC

 

This was an excellent performance from the side who scored 5 super tries and looked rock solid in defence. Playing without a couple of key players including Captain James Cotton meant changes had to made. A few new positions were tried and with only two games to go we are hoping to finish strongly. JBC

 

A rather frustrating performance from the team who although they scored five tries should have finished off several other golden chances. After conceding a try in the first minute the defence was back to its best and Wellingborough never really threatened again. Mourant and Russell were the pick of the forwards stealing ball and making some huge tackles all over the pitch. In the backs Stride scored 3 tries with Clifton and Rice the other two. Mallinder kicked 2 conversions. JBC

 

Despite a comfortable win this was the most disappointing performance of the term. The side never got to grips with the cold and damp conditions. Far too much ball was spilled and loose passes given. A few positional changes were tried and the 3 scores were all well worked. We now move to the final match of the season against St Faith’s. JBC

 

This was a wonderful final performance from the team and a great way to bring the curtain down on another successful season for the school’s top side. After weathering an early storm, the team came back into the game with some ferocious tackling and brilliant ball retention. Tries from Rice, Stride and Mallinder enabled us to stretch away by the end, but it was a hard fought match and proved to be a fantastic spectacle for all those watching. I cannot speak highly enough about this group of boys who have had to face opposition far bigger in almost every match this term. The team spirit and desire to succeed was superbly fostered by Captain James Cotton and Vice Captain Tom Mourant. We can all look forward to the dinner next week and a chance to reflect on another memorable term of rugby. JBC