10 November 2016
Abingdon Prep School hosted its annual Under 8 Tag Festival and Under 9 Rugby Festival. The Prep's A and B teams were joined by two teams from Chandlings and one team from Christ Church and Cokethorpe Schools respectively. Despite the chilly conditions, it proved to be a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon for all.
In the Under 8 Tag Festival, it was really encouraging to see so many boys trying to spot gaps and using footwork to great effect. Abingdon Prep A began the festival well against Abingdon Prep B with a narrow 5-4 win, whilst Chandlings A looked convincing in their first match against Christ Church Cathedral School. Chandlings B lost narrowly to Abingdon Prep A and Cokethorpe won a close game against Abingdon Prep B. The key encounter was between Chandlings A and Abingdon Prep A and as it turned out, sheer pace was the difference – Chandlings running out winners by 5-2 and therefore remaining unbeaten throughout the afternoon.
In the Under 9 Festival, the Abingdon Prep As started slowly against the Abingdon Prep Bs but eventually came out worthy winners. A draw against Chandlings B and a defeat against Chandlings A was followed by convincing wins against both Cokethorpe and Christ Church Cathedral School. The Abingdon Prep Bs won against Christ Church and suffered narrow defeats against the other teams in the competition. Both teams demonstrated excellent handling and evasion skills but there is certainly room for improvement in terms of tackling.
The overall standings in both competitions were as follows:
1st Chandlings A
2nd Abingdon Prep A
3rd Chandlings B
4th Cokethorpe
5th Abingdon Prep B
6th Christ Church Cathedral School
