Rugby Autumn Term

U11

The U11A team had a very successful season despite some untimely injuries throughout the season. The boys had a tough triangular against Kings Hall and Millfield at the beginning of the season which prepared them for things to come. The boys learnt quickly and ensured they took their chances to score more often than not, and then battled as a team to prevent the opposition getting back into the game. The highlight of the season was getting to the final of the Canford tournament but unfortunately they came up against a very good, big and quick Walhampton team. The boys that represented this team should be very proud of what they achieved and I know they will keep improving as they continue up the ranks!

Tom Blomfield

U13

The season began with great enthusiasm but also under the confusion of playing old under 12 rules. After a solid, if ring-rusty, victory over Salisbury Cathedral School, the team travelled to play a much larger Hazlegrove side away. A superb effort through the entire match could not stop the first defeat of the season but there was only one try between the teams.

The next three fixtures provided great victories over Sherborne, Monkton and Dauntsey’s, no mean feat against schools with nearly double the number of boys. Perrott Hill were easily dispatched and the season finished with a pulsating game against Farleigh.

Despite a close defeat, it had been a superb season, with improvement and effort high on the agenda and the team were a pleasure to work with throughout. Well done!

Barry Irving

U12

To the distinguished list of unbeaten teams including the 1974 British Lions and the 2004 Arsenal ‘Invincibles’, we must now add the 2021 Under 12A Sandroyd Rugby Team. Although invariably smaller in stature than the majority of our opponents, the boys employed a high tempo style of rugby based on superior fitness, complemented by a commitment in the tackle which neither I nor Mr Knight have witnessed previously. Nowhere was this better in evidence than the now legendary Battle of Dauntsey’s, where Rory Ridland (eventual winner of the inaugural coveted ‘Man of Steel’ trophy), exhorted his team mates to front up and take the fight to the Devizes Behemoths. Victories against Farleigh and Salisbury Cathedral School amongst others were equally hard won. It would be unfair for me to single out other individuals for plaudits, simply because I am unable to identify a player who left anything on the field throughout the season. We genuinely witnessed the essence of teamwork and friendship develop from a previously talented yet disparate group of players who leaned to perform at a level exceeding the sum of their parts.

It would be remiss of me not to mention the so-called B Team, who created selection conundrums throughout by their efforts in training, and kept players focused in the knowledge that any dip in form might enable others to step up and take their place. Furthermore, I cannot overstate the importance of the unwavering support of our marvellous parents who often outnumbered their counterparts at away fixtures. It is hugely appreciated. My thanks also go to Mr Knight for his coaching prowess. The only casualty of this memorable season was to the coach, who having promised to provide pizza in the event of an unbeaten season, is to this day recovering from ‘open wallet surgery’. It was worth the pain, boys!

Martin Ray

U8/9

The Year 3 and 4 boys have had excellent seasons and have shown that they are already a force to be reckoned with, and have a bright future ahead of them.

The boys spent the term playing tag rugby, despite the powerhouse combination of Johnny Hooper and Tommy Baker being desperate to upgrade to contact. Jasper Ridland was tireless in defence, pulling off some stunning mid-air tags, and Freddie Corrie, Xander Bell and Reggie Herbert ran fast and elusively.

Freddie Cartright

U10

This group of boys has shown that they have the potential to go on and impress on the rugby pitch. They have had a spectacular season showing true grit to work hard for each other which has on a regular basis put them in the winning position. They have also worked on improving their technical skills, although to be truthful, this group of boys just wanted to play matches. The highlight of the season was the fabulous winning streak they enjoyed at the King’s Bruton Tournament, eventually beating Hazelgrove and Monkton; teams they had narrowly lost to during the season, to finish on top. All the U10s should be proud of the way they played their rugby and the future looks bright as they move up into the senior part of the school.

Trevor Webster