1st XV & U16 A XV vs Kirkham Match Reports

18 October 2017

1st XV Report:

After an early 7:30 meet on the last day of half term, the day started very leisurely with many opting to sleep during the 4 hour journey. Finally we arrived at Kirkham and it took some time during our warm up to adapt to the very wet and muddy pitch which we knew would aid them in their up-front game tactic. 

The game started very competitively with both teams threatening with some strong attacks which were fiercely shut down by some strong tackles. However after 20 minutes Kirkham were first to break the deadlock, with strong forward running, strong lineout mauls and precise cross-field kicking they were able to score 3 tries in quick succession. Despite the excellent Abingdon defence up front with unbreakable offensive tackles, led by debutants Fergus Fishburn and Ivor Langley, Kirkham used their well-practised cross field kicks and swift back moves to unpick our defence. However Abingdon were able to score one try in the final plays through strong running by the ever-present Max Humphries off a special lineout move. Unfortunately it was not enough to challenge the scoreline, which ended at 41-5. Although our 1st XV is heavily plagued by injuries and unavailability, it was a very promising performance against one of the strongest senior teams in the country. A special mention to the hearts shown by debutants and especially Joshua Valentine, exceeding expectations in a position he had never played before. 

Match Day Squad: 

1. Craig Jenkins
2. Oliver Dickson
3. William Stewart
4. William Drake
5. Max Humphries
6. Thomas Harvey
7. Henry Dill-Russell
8. Henry Isherwood
9. Joshua Valentine 
10. Oscar Fountain
11. Henry Plumpton
12. Joseph Lilley 
13. George Newton
14. Adewale Adebutu
15. Alexander Moss
16. Ivor Langley
17. Fergus Fishburn
18. Jonny Dawson

Report by 1st XV Henry Isherwood

U16A XV Report:

Another brilliant win for the U16A XV which continues our winning streak and ends the half term on a positive note. This was the first time the side has played in front of a large crowd at Home on Waste Court as many of the school gathered to support the team before heading home for their holiday.

We were solid at the scrum, as we have been all season, despite being too high and therefore not maximising our advantage. The lineout was ok, but we could have done more to compete on their ball as we worked out their calls very early on. Some of our open play was good however, we needed more fixed lines to hold defenders and preserve space outside for our superior backs. Will Sishton scored 5 superb tries, running aggressively and handing off with power. Our defence was good and Kirkham didn't look like scoring. Moreover, we failed to adapt to the referee quickly enough thus giving away lots of penalties, enabling Kirkham to gain territory. However, we were able to beat one of the best rugby schools in the country despite not being at our best which shows the commitment and perseverance we have. We will return refreshed to take on St Edward's next term. 

U16 A XV squad that faced Kirkham:

1. Jimmy Strainge
2. William Sishton
3. Sinclair Pearce
4. Charlie Betts
5. Ethan McLellan
6. Jack Harvey
7. Gian Verdding
8. James Coombs
9. Jake Blackwell
10. Charlie Atkinson
11. Aaron Mara
12. Archie Delafield
13. Patrick Heath
14. William Vanhinsbergh
15. Archie Turnbull
16. Cameron Parke
17. Theo Brown
18. Henry Insley
19. Brandon Long
20. Hector Chambers
21. Ted Wilson

Report by James Coombs