13 December 2017
A slightly frustrating final weekend for the Rugby Club against Bedford School on Saturday as the U14 and U16 matches were unfortunately cancelled due to poor weather and pitches. Our U14s have improved hugely in what for many boys was their first term of rugby at Abingdon. Our U16s have had a cracking season, and it meant our U16 As finished the season undefeated.
The home matches were all on. Out at Cox’s Field the U15s finished with some good performances. The A XV lost 12-0, the B XV lost 14-0, the C XV finished unbeaten for the second season in a row winning 19-5, and the D XV also finished unbeaten for the second season in a row winning 34-10. This has been a strong age group with a lot of depth for two years now and I hope the boys continue with their rugby next year. A wonderful season and congratulations to the C and D XVs for being undefeated.
The Senior XVs finished with strong very close matches. Our 4th XV won 34-0, the 3rd XV won 18-7, and the 2nd XV won 26-10, with the Headmaster stepping in for the first time to manage and steer the ship superbly. Our 1st XV lost 19-8. A cracking match which swung in the balance 12-8 with 6 minutes to go, until Bedford pulled away. Overall a superb senior season. The quality of play, depth in all sides and putting out four teams each week has been because of the boys' enthusiasm and commitment.
The Seniors finished with a wonderful end of season black tie rugby dinner on Saturday evening in the school dining hall with pupils, parents and staff all together to celebrate the successes of the season. It started with a tour of Japan and four cracking away wins against Berkhamsted. The boys have developed hugely and bonded so much. We all hope they have enjoyed their time playing rugby here at Abingdon and will continue in the game.
The year has been a very successful one. Outside of the success of the regular fixtures we have had more families join our Touchliners, the Lower School had a ‘parent/son’ trip to England v Samoa; our U14s had their half term tour of the South West; the U15s have their half term tour with the Langley School national festival; the 3rd & 4th Years also had the Varsity Trip; our Seniors came back from their tour of Japan in the summer and we look forward to the New Year when the announcement comes about the new tour in the summer of 2019 for current 4th & 5th Years. All very exciting!
Thank you to all pupils, parents and staff for their commitment and passion this season. The Rugby Club is in a strong place. Roll on Rugby Sevens and the 2018 season!
