Our U15 rugby team produced a performance that will go down as one of the finest in the School`s recent history in pushing Marlborough College to the absolute limit in the quarter final of the NatWest Plate competition.
Prior to the match, it was generally considered that the strong wind, allied to heavy underfoot conditions, would suit the stronger Marlborough forwards and as the teams ran out there appeared to be a distinct size difference that would surely favour our visitors. However, Habs soon proved that you can`t measure the size of someone`s heart and they tore into their illustrious visitors with gusto. They dominated the contact area and made huge inroads when carrying the ball down the middle of the pitch.
This early pressure was rewarded when the elusive scrumhalf, Jesse T, dummied and side-stepped his way to the try line to make it 5-0 to Habs. Marlborough, as one might have anticipated, were soon stung into action. The opposition scored a try of their own before Josh L made it 10-5 with a forceful run down the left flank after a series of strong carries by the Habs forwards.
A late try by Marlborough on the right wing made it 10-10 at the break. We had dominated possession and expended a lot of energy in keeping the ball in hand. It looked as if Marlborough were going to make Habs pay for failing to use the wind effectively, as they scored two tries in quick succession by kicking for position and exerting pressure. And with 15 minutes to go, it looked certain that the ten point deficit, alongside an ever strengthening wind, would be too high a mountain to climb.
But, under the leadership of the outstanding Malcolm P, assisted by several senior players, Habs somehow dragged themselves off the canvas to unleash a sustained final assault that was so fierce and determined that it came within a whisker of changing the outcome of this titanic tussle.
With five minutes left on the clock, Max N scored from a lineout drive. This was superbly converted by the impressive Keelan F. Two minutes left. Habs carried the ball deep into Marlborough territory after line breaks by James W and Malcolm P. Habs were awarded a penalty after Marlborough illegally used a hand in the ruck. Habs were five metres out, slap bang in front of the posts. The three points from the kick would have drawn the game but would not have seen Habs go through to the semi-final so the players needed to run the ball. Alas, the heavy conditions under foot resulted in a slip and the chance was lost. A desperately disappointing end to a quite magnificent effort from the boys in the blue quartered shirts.
Despite the result, the U15 rugby team has provided the School with a genuine sense of excitement and anticipation throughout its cup run. The boys played as one body: united and together, and have extolled the virtues of selflessness, effective leadership and perseverance over the course of the rugby season.
My thanks are extended to Mr McIntosh for his expertise in bringing out the best in the boys this year and for re-enforcing the values that underpin the game of rugby and those of team sport in general.
Match report written by Mr Metcalfe
Related posts
See all posts
February 11 2025
Habs debaters take on Cambridge and Oxford schools competitions
Latest News
Senior School
Sixth Form
co-curricular

January 17 2025
Oscar (SFM1) runs 100km through London
Latest News

December 20 2024
Alik shines in Cyprus: Three Concerts Raising Funds for Ukrainian Children
Latest News
November 5 2024
Good Schools Guide visit us
Latest News
Pre-Prep & Prep
Senior School