RUGBY MIDGETS 6 P8 W5 D1 L2 Team from: L Gordon, A Lloyd, D Auchterlonie, A Davie-Thornhill, I Choi, M Holmes, E Cormack, F Gilbert, H Warriner, N Jacobs, A Hsia, J Cooper, A Lawal, E Wingfield, H Lowndes Lumb, F Nerdrum, A Chilvers, O Bryant, G Maddan, C Mulgrew As was to be expected, the team took most of the season to reach its final form, as players moved up and down between various squads. However, by the final three fixtures, the definitive lineup had emerged, playing robust, albeit rudimentary, rugby against strong sides. Strength lay in the back line; once the ball was played out wide with some space, Edward Wingfield and Arthur Hsia were virtually unstoppable, given their strength and speed. Momentum was also provided by
Coaches: DWS Roques, IK Campbell Captain: H Warriner
the captain, Harry Warriner, at flyhalf, always looking for a hole in the defence, and Ayomide Lawal, whose robust tackling saved the team on numerous occasions. Other backs took longer to find their feet, but it was good to see Harry Lowndes Lumb running from the full back position with pace and determination, and Jack Cooper gliding past the defence in the final games. Up front, the forwards tended to be pushed backwards in the scrum, but were much more aggressive in loose play, with Freddie Gilbert being the stand out ball-carrier at number eight. The front row were also graced with two very mobile players, namely Archie Lloyd at hooker and Lachlann Gordon at prop. Lachlann in particular rucked with determination, as well making some crunching tackles.
Although the focus of the team varied between and within matches, their most notable win came over a strong St. Paul’s side, who were far bigger than us, but lacked the passion of the team. Radley had to come from behind to win 17-10. The second highlight of the season was the final match against the MCS C team, the deciding fixture of three, who were strengthened with players from higher teams. Radley scored four tries against the flow of play, with Harry Lowndes Lumb kicking every conversion, only to have to stem a late rush from MCS. There was much relief when the whistle finally went. Hence the season ended on a high note, demonstrating the qualities of this developing and gritty team. DWS Roques and IK Campbell
THE RADLEIAN SPORTS SUPPLEMENT
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