3 minute read
RGS Goes to Twickenham
from ONA 79
Massive support for the rugby team at the Daily Mail Cup final
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A sea of RGS/ONA scarves
The day began at 7am at Eskdale Terrace wherefrom seven coaches of hopeful RGS supporters departed for Twickenham (the 1st XV had travelled down days before to allow them to prepare). Sadly, the initial concept of a chartered train direct to the English Mecca was thwarted by inevitable long delays on the East coast that made it an impossibility. However, this did not discourage the army of pupils, parents, current and retired staff, and Old Novocastrians that took on the near 12 hour round trip to the Daily Mail Cup Final 2010.
Upon entering Twickenham, passengers were presented with a Daily Mail Final memorial scarf, funded in-part by the Old Novocastrians Association and it was these scarves that would later be held aloft by the scores of fans in the RGS camp, creating a sea of red amidst the green of Twickenham and blue of Whitgift School. The supporters took their seats, wrought with anticipation and excitement, only to rise as the teams were announced and remaining standing until the final whistle!
The teams emerged from the tunnel to rapturous applause and almost immediately set about the task at hand. RGS, led by England U18 fly-half Joel Hodgson, started strong and a 15 minute stalemate followed as neither team could find a way through opposition defences. Some good link up play between Hodgson and the two centres Spike Strang and James Carding were amongst the attacking highlights as RGS had to work hard to keep the Whitgift backs from penetrating. Whitgift were reduced to 14 men and Fraser Balmain saw the yellow card for a similar scrum offence before RGS had the opportunity to capitalise. Shortly after, first blood was taken by Whitgift through a breakaway try from star centre Marland Yarde, an England U18 team-mate of the RGS captain. Minutes later, a strong assault from Whitgift left RGS disorganised and Yarde was able to intercept a pass from Hodgson to knock up another 5 points. With the successful conversion, RGS were down 12-0 despite having most of the possession. The sides exchanged penalties and Hodgson was able to score, finishing the half at 15-3.
In the opening moments of the second half a Joel Hodgson kick was charged down by Whitgift lock forward Tom Archer, whilst RGS tried to clear the lines. Archer was able to carry
over for a try and Elliot Daly converted to put RGS down 22-3. However, the score was somewhat cruel as the RGS pack had impressed long periods of pressure and made substantial ground into the Whitgift half on several occasions. Sam Jobson, the RGS right wing, was unlucky not to score as he jinxed past several tackles before being dragged out of play. As in the first half, RGS played most of the rugby but were unable to convert that into points. Whitgift scored a further two converted tries through breakaway attacks, allowing Yarde to complete a hat-trick. Despite this, the RGS showed incredible character in the closing period of the game and were finally rewarded for the possession with a try from Joel Hodgson. The captain, weaving his way through several tackles, dragged two of his opponents 5 yards across the try line to take 5 points. He converted from an acute angle, ending the game 34-10 to Whitgift School.
Perhaps it wasn’t the tournament conclusion that RGS had hoped for but it was still a fantastic experience for both the players and the support. Maybe next year, boys!
