SPORT 1ST XV Rugby Played 13 Won 4 Lost 9 Pts for 205 Pts Against 234 If we say, that over the course of a 13 week season, our opponents across Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire and Essex outscored us by only 29 points, then you’d imagine we had
confidence grew with wins over Dr
leaving in the knowledge that they had
a competitive and fairly successful
Challoner’s, St Columba’s, St Ignatius
been in a titanic battle.
season.
and RGS Colchester. We went
If we say, that over the course of a 13 week season, we lost 9 of 13 games, with a win ratio of just 30%, then you’d imagine we had a poor and unsuccessful season.
into the third round of the NatWest Cup against local rivals, RGS High Wycombe, with new levels of focus and determination. We started like a steam train and tore into the opposition, dominating territory and
Unfortunately, the momentum gained from a successful October was lost when we returned from half term break. With players choosing to leave the squad, followed by significant injuries to Callum Eley, Matt Wells and Tom Rumble, and player unavailability
Either way, the 1st XV squad of 2016
possession. Fielding a kick in our own
will know that they did not realise their
22, Harvey Mack broke a few tackles
full potential or perform at the level
to release centre Matt Wells who
they were capable of. Commitment
made huge yards before offloading to
to pre-season was poor and as a
Ollie Shearer to score near the posts.
result, we went into the first month of
The game remained a tight affair
Although our playing record was in
fixtures under-prepared. Playing the
with RGS edging the result 22-12 but
tatters, there were a few shining lights
likes of Campion, Bedford Modern, Royal Latin and Reading Blue Coat are difficult enough even when fully prepared, but it was no surprise that we emerged from this series with four losses. Problems stemmed from inadequate levels of physical conditioning, a dysfunctional line-out and a young pack containing only two Year 13 players. To the team’s credit, things were turning around by early October, and
26
The Aylesburian 2016/2017
for Saturday fixtures, we proceeded to struggle against Northampton School for Boys, Magdalen, Watford and St Albans.
