15 October 2011
The 1st XV Rugby side played Radley College in front of one of the biggest crowds seen on Waste Court. The occasion coincided with Old Abingdonians returning on mass for the Rugby Dinner that evening.
With so many spectators, the 1st XV did not disappoint. In glorious weather both XV's took to the field full of confidence. Radley had alreadybeaten Tonbridge, Sherborne and St Paul's, following a very successful tour to Australia - so the Abingdon lads knew they were in for a tough encounter. More so, when, after a poor receipt off the kick off, their inside centre cut through the Abingdon midfield and scored under the posts. The conversion was successful.
At this point, it was pleasing to see the riposte from the home side. Some hard graft up front in the forwards saw a lineout won and then driven over for a try. A penalty kick 5 minutes later and Abingdon were in the lead 8 - 7. Abingdon grew in strength, though some ferocious Radley tackling kept it at 8 - 7 to half time.
The second half witnessed the Abingdon pack win some great ball for the very impressive backline on show, and soon the game started to edge away from Radley. To Radley's credit, they pulled back with two more penalty kicks - but the backline of Abingdon kept making the breaks and tries were scored by Messrs Moore, Allan and Studdy.
Final score - Abingdon 27, Radley 13.
