Year 7 Boys Rugby vs Wells Blue

Wells Blue visited Hugh Sexey on a picturesque Autumn afternoon. The weather was a fine back drop to a feast of school sport, with Mr Waterfield's year 8 sport leaders running a tag rugby festival for the first schools, a large cohort of girls training for hockey with Mrs Baylis and Mrs Allen and the return of the victorious year 5/6 girls football team. We really are so very blessed to work in such idyllic surrounding with such enthusiastic and vibrant students.

On to the rugby, the game started at a frantic and at times breath-taking pace. Both teams were clearly intent on imposing their physical dominance with strong carriers by both teams and some tough tackling. Sadly, at times this over exuberance resulted in a number of penalties for both teams, with players going too high or creeping off side. After some good passages of play by Wells Blue they speed the ball to their enormous winger who looked to be in for a certain try were it not for James Fowler who made a cover tackle that was reminiscent of David taking down Goliath. Spurred by this book of Samuel reference, Hugh Sexey sprung into life and after good work by George Nuttycombe and Will Flavin the ball was worked to Tom Spinks who barged in under the posts. Gabriel Baldegger then made a strong carry after good work in the midfield. With the try line beckoning Wells Blue made an equally impressive carry to put Baldegger's feet into touch. Hugh Sexey started to get into their grove with the front row trio of Downie, Floyd and Simms Preston working well in the tight and the loose. However, Wells Blue were a large and skilful side and after concerted pressure they finally scored to put the scores level at half time. The second half was a real spectacle with both sides concentrating on the rugby and putting aside any future aspirations of referring games. The ruck area became a little more controlled and both sides traded scores with Wilf Puddy showing excellent power and pace to run in and the Wells Blue fly half showing audacious ball and footwork skills to run in untouched. Skipper Tom Spinks then crashed over for another after hard work from the industrious Sergio Wadey. With the game in the balance the next score was critical and Wells Blue's powerful prop got it, again running through a mass of bodies to level the score. 3 tries each with 3 minutes. At times like this a lot can happen to a team and with the pressure on Hugh Sexey kept hold of the ball very well. Calm heads were present, with Dylan Platt offering himself regularly as a carrier. After a number of phases it was fitting that Tom Spinks would win the game and claim his hat trick in the process, barrelling over for another close range try.

Thanks to Wells Blue for a great game, and well done to the players involved. I hope they learned from this experience.