Page 35 - Bloxhamist 2017-2018

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This was another successful rugby
season, with the school’s 12 sides
finishing with more wins than losses
and the 1st XV recording a better than
70 percent win ratio for the fifth season
in a row. A young team exceeded
expectations by winning nine games
out of twelve. This was especially
creditable when captain and last
season’s leading scorer Alfie Barbeary
missed half of the games due to injury.
Stepping into his place, Fred Betteridge
had an outstanding season at number
eight. Along with the dependable Lewis
Henry and Monty Ng in the front row,
he gave a superb lead to the youngsters
around them, while vice-captain Toby
Staveley Parker provided a cool head
at fly half in running an exciting set of
backs. Toby equalled the 1st XV’s points shown by Euan Wales’ side after a poor games were close.
record in a season (127) but was cruelly start; his was proved by a resounding
denied when the final game was called 28-0 win in their final game, against The Yearlings A XV won 11 out of 13
off due to snow. The wins over MCS The Oratory. matches and lifted the County Cup,
Oxford, Malvern and The Oratory were beating a strong BGN side 24-0 in
highlights, but the most entertaining The U17s – a new venture – travelled the final. They enjoyed excellent wins
games were defeats by two powerful an emotional rollercoaster. Their over Merchant Taylors’, Malvern and
sides, against Dean Close and an season began with a nail-biting draw Dean Close. Powerful wing Seb Hughes
outstanding NSB side in the National with MCS, followed by big lessons scored 27 tries over the season. Mr
Schools Cup. Eleven of this side will be handed to them by Malvern and Cowley and Mr Webber spoke highly
back next year. After returning from Pangbourne, before good wins against of the competition for places in the A
injury, Alfie Barbeary had an excellent Cokethorpe and KES Birmingham. Great team squad, and indeed this was true in
season captaining the Wasps Academy performances stood out against two all three Yearlings sides. Every boy in
side and went on to represent England powerful outfits in Merchant Taylors’ the Third Form represented the school
at U18, scoring a hat trick against and Bishop Vesey’s, beaten by only in at least two fixtures. Alex Myles was
Scotland in March. one point on both occasions. Harry the Yearlings B XV team’s most potent
Fellingham, James Boardman, Tom Hill attacking threat, scoring five tries in
The 2nd XV had a difficult season with and Charlie Oakey all had outstanding five matches, and Cameron Smith and
injuries, which was unfortunate for seasons, playing committed and Ben Ash proved extremely effective
a side with some excellent players, attractive rugby. The Colts (U16s) won place kickers. At Pangbourne, we
such as Oli Morgan and captain George five of their seven games and won a scored twice in the last five minutes to
Price, who in most seasons would reputation for playing an exciting style win the match. The Yearlings C XV team
have got more games for the 1st XV. of rugby. The Junior Colts had a long also had an extremely pleasing season;
The highlights were the two wins over season, reached the County Cup final they finished with a 50% win ratio
Pangbourne and the thrilling draw at and came close to a 50-50 record, as and a positive points difference, with
Malvern. There was more success for did several other teams. The Junior the highpoint undoubtedly the 44-17
the 3rd XV, with coaches Mr Stindt and Colts Bs had a capable new coach in the victory over Malvern. Will Howells led
Mr Finch delighted by the progress shape of Padre Weaver, but found wins the try count and Charlie Penfold and
hard to come by, though most of their Yufan He impressed with their tackling.

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