Cheddar Valley Schools Rugby Festival

The year 7 rugby teams put in some strong performances at the Chedday Valley Schools Rugby Festival. The boys opening game against Fairlands was a typically bruising local derby. It was clear the boys enjoyed the chance to engage in some full contact rugby against their neighbours. Both teams put in some thundering hits and carried the ball with conviction. Jak spotted the speed of the defensive line and placed a kick over the top for Louis to use his pace to scorch through and score. Will also recognised the gaps in behind and used a neat box kick into the in goal area for another try. All of the players put in a really good opening performance with Rowan, Austin, Harry and Oliver carrying well throughout. Freddie and Jake defended with courage and conviction throughout. The introduction of Logan at half time also made a big difference. He cleared numerous rucks and helped tidy up lots of loose balls to contribute to a steady stream of possession. Hugh Sexey managed to claim the win at the end of a close fought game. 

The girls team then had a chance to play. With us and Fairlands being the only schools to have girls teams we mixed together to make Barbarians teams. The standard of all the players was very high. The Hugh Sexey team all play at Winscomb rugby club and the extra coaching and additional playing experience was evident right from the start. Georgie, Beatrix, Beth, Lillia and Kitty had massive impacts on all of the games. They ran hard, tackled well and were constantly clearing rucks. When they had their hands on the ball it was clear they were also looking to realise other players. Beth repeatedly took the ball flat, straight and hard to the line and then released her outside runners; it was a joy to watch. Kitty and Beatrix were full of pace and power and scored a number of great tries. They also worked so hard in defense and relished the opportunity to tackle. Georgie continues to improve at a rapid rate and some of her inter play was really impressive. She has also added a new dimension to her game with her ability to carry the ball and use her footwork to get through gaps. Lillia is another player who has really developed this year. Her carrying and passing was immaculate and she showed good technique when tackling. Much like Logan, she also was prepared to do lots of the unseen but crucially important work to ensure her team kept possession and went forward.

The boys next game was against Sidcot and this game couldn't have been any closer. Sidcot took an early lead after a serious of strong phases. Hugh Sexey then regained possession and put together a number of phases. They were desperately unlucky not to get a score and the game finished with Sidcot winning by 1 try. The boys were devastated not to make the final but should be immensely proud of the way they played. On another day they could of won the game.

The loss meant the boys finished playing against Wells Blue in a 3^rd place play off. This was another pulsating game with both sides not giving an inch. On a drier day our speedy wingers Taylor and Harrison may have seen a bit more ball but they showed real spirit in throwing themself into tackles and helping to secure the ball. The boys gave everything to try and snatch the win but in the end it finished 2 tries all.

Thank you so much to Cheddar Rugby club and all the schools for such a fun event. The wet weather did not damped anyone's mood.