Bloxham School advance to the semi-finals of the National Schools Plate competition with a good win against St Mary’s Crosby.
Last week Bloxham School advanced to the semi-finals of the National Schools Plate competition with a good win against St Mary’s Crosby.
A delayed journey up to Merseyside meant a late arrival and a very truncated warm-up for the Bloxham players, but they quickly got into their stride with a good try from Oscar H. after sustained forward pressure.
A second try, this time from Charlie D., saw Bloxham 12-0 ahead before a handling error in midfield, followed by a hack ahead from a Crosby player, reduced the home side’s arrears to 12-7 at half time.
After the break, Bloxham added a penalty from Sean B. and a try from Jack W. before a well-worked try for the hosts made it 22-12. Another penalty settled the nerves of the large band of Bloxham supporters who had made the long trek up to Merseyside, and the game finished 25-12 in our favour.
In truth, this was a workmanlike rather than a scintillating display. Charlie D. and Stan D. both had good games, but Sean B. was undoubtedly ‘man of the match’ for his high-tempo play in the loose, on top of his reliable goal kicking.
Bloxham’s defence of their National Schools Plate title is still on, and their reward for the win is a home semi-final at the start of March against the Grammar School at Leeds.
Photos courtesy of Sophie Jones