Radleian Sports Michaelmas 2015

Page 21

much the whole team!). Rawlinson instigated some fabulous All Blackstyle offloading and Tufnell was on fire. In the last week of term, we had a pleasant get-together for some awards. Nicholson was awarded the Coaches’ player of the season for his leadership and skills. Makin was the deserved hands down winner of the Players’ player. Tufnell picked up the most consistent player award for his workmanship. Robson (a.k.a. the Jackal) won the most improved award. Southgate was top points score with 64 and Irons scored 10 tries. It has been an absolute pleasure coaching these young men. Not only have they improved in their attacking and defensive skills, but they are a

charming bunch of chaps who have showed true team spirit and desire to play for each other. We wish them all the best next season as Colts. We would like to thank Mr. Murphy and Mr. Wagner for their coaching, and also Mark Chambers and his team who has helped with injuries along the way. MG Glendon-Doyle and KJ Borthwick A note from the captain, Will Nicholson Firstly it’s a big thank you from the whole team to Mr. Glendon-Doyle and Kris Borthwick for all their support throughout the whole season. Despite having some talented individuals it was the coaching and support from them that helped us do so well. Kris helped massively in the backs by

RUGBY JC3 P11 W8 L3 I began last year’s M3 report by suggesting 2014 was the perfect season. In terms of results it was, but the sense of elation and achievement as the final whistle blew against Harrow, this year, to record a historic triumph was without doubt richer than 2014. 2015 was a schoolboy’s winning season; a season that developed into a truly vintage year after some early wobbles. The style in which the lads roared home after leave-away was terrifically satisfying as a coach and also, I feel certain, for the loyal dads and mums who regularly patrolled the side lines. 2015 saw a higher points ratio scored than 2014 – which is to say, when we won we won big (and we usually won.) The season began with a romp against Sherborne where Henry Williams bullied in several tries. Some 2014 worthies had already been drafted up to JC2 in numbers, but the core of 2014 remained together with some exciting new signing such as Williams. The unbeaten run endured but was to be shattered by a doubting performance away to a mediocre St. Paul’s. Personnel

helping us make some very ruthless attacking moves which utilised all the skill we have in the back line, and once we got the ball off the forwards, they were very affective. Our forwards this season were unbelievable and their complete domination of the circuit was shown against Harrow: three opposition scrums were turned over and having scored a try with the wind against us we managed to work our way up the pitch using only forwards moves. Special mentions have to go out to Elliot Makin for his strength in the breakdown and defensive determination, and to Will Irons for scoring 10 tries during the season. Will Nicholson , e

Coach: RD Woodling and D Wilson Captain: J Peers

changes and some attendant frailties led RDW to almost stamp on his hat. The lads pleasingly regrouped and a far better game was played against Tonbridge. We were slightly superior up front, but Tonbridge displayed more imaginative and penetrating backs play. RDW had been so keen to shore up the team that imagination had been sacrificed. We came close to scoring repeatedly, but in the end 17-0 was about right. The Abingdon game before half term was a watershed match. 7-5 up at change of ends the Chaplain said something very special with his half time talk as 38 points were scored with no reply by the Rogues. Players such as Jack O’Hara and Jess Beardsworth set light to the match and to the season. Fresh signing Blake Hannaby-Cummins was rampant and is one of RDW’s tips for the top. The Rogues scrum was watertight from start to season finish. Freddie Horler and Rupert Curtis were very impressive and deeply professional new back row players together with the excellent Beardsworth who was latterly nabbed by JC2. Veteran

(and Club’s Best Player) Harry Salter was joined by bullock O’Hara, who tackled with too much alacrity in the closing games (did I really say that!) and was required to write a letter of condolence to a very regrettably, badly injured party. Matthew Dawson deserves special mention for his flawless play in every single match. He is perhaps the perfect rugby player – though at 48kg needs all the cunning and skill at his disposal. Olly Skelley played with passion and scrummaged professionally, though succumbed to injury and his place was latterly taken by the dynamic Felix Reynish, a reliable and athletic performer. John Peers took on the mantle of captain following early injury to the excellent Ed Pascall. This was a daunting task, but I feel that Peers shaped the team with his mature professionalism, skill and endeavour – and tackling – ultimately eclipsing in achievement that of his illustrious forbear. George Batty remained fiercely keen to play despite strong competition for 6 and 7. His speed and versatility saw him play variously

THE RADLEIAN SPORTS SUPPLEMENT

21


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.
Radleian Sports Michaelmas 2015 by Radley College - Issuu