:SPORT
Streetly Sixth Form Rugby Team was once crowned champions of Walsall and District U19 Rugby Cup. With the
newly formed Sixth Form Team gaining experience and ability, is there any hope of regaining their regional
dominance?
This year’s team, composed largely of Y12 students, combines lethal pace with brawny physicality, but it lacks the
experience of bygone eras. The half-backs Tom Dartnell (C) and Sam Ratcliffe combine with old hand Jack Johns to
drill the new recruits to match readiness.
Their first tournament – an RFU 7s competition at Five Ways Old Edwardians back in October – was a bitter-sweet
introduction to the sport: beating Park Hall Academy with two unanswered Zhou Mai tries was the pinnacle
moment, though pride can also be found in the way the team put their bodies on the line to stem the tide of more
experienced teams. A hard-fought day ended with one win, one draw and three losses.
The final tournament of the year was held at Veseyans Rugby Club in March. The Streetly Sixth Form Team produced
some sterling efforts to win two of their four games, placing them 2nd in the “Development” league. The squad
deserve recognition: from walking into a competitive match for the first time in September, they have competed
admirably against teams who have been playing rugby together for 7 years.
At their rate of improvement (should it last), they’ll be champions again soon!