SPORT // RUGBY 7s
U16 VIIs
A term interrupted by weather , injuries and absences , meant that little rhythm and continuity has been developed . The boys have worked hard to develop an attacking playstyle , which has stretched opponents and created openings , when applied .
Their first playing opportunity came at the Durham 7s . Tough games against Dame Allan ’ s and RGS Newcastle saw us enter the plate competition . A win versus Ashville ( our first of the season ) saw us progress to the final , where we lost a good game to Scarborough College .
Next up was a home tournament and the last chance to put the final touches to our game before Rosslyn Park . Again , Pocklington showed some glimpses of what they are capable of , with some strong showings against Hymers and Ampleforth .
At Rosslyn , the boys started with great enthusiasm , narrowly losing their first game by conversion . The second game saw us lose to a strong Wellingborough side – containing several Northampton academy players – and the final game saw a disappointing first half , followed by a great improvement as Pocklington mounted a comeback , although , sadly , losing narrowly .
Player of the Season : Will Day Most Improved Players : Aleck Brown and Beck Woodall
U15 VIIs
The first competitive 7s season since 2019 , brought plenty of success to the U15s this year . Despite falling to some outrageously good teams in knockout stages of tournaments , the group developed and improved so much more than their results suggest . As a team , when the boys were able to shift the point of contact and move the ball from one side of the pitch to the other , some of the pace in the group were able to exploit the weaknesses in the opposition defence and run in some awesome scores from all over the pitch . Add to this a real desire to work hard for the person either side of them , by the
end of the season , this group were starting to play some of the best 7s to be seen by any team at Pocklington School .
Overall , it was an enjoyable experience to work with such a talented group of students and I wish them all success in their remaining rugby careers . With a continuing drive to work hard for each other and stay united in their belief , there is no reason they cannot produce a really special performance at national tournaments , like Rosslyn Park , next year .
Player of the Season : Ollie Foster Most Improved Player : Barnaby Walker
U14 VIIs
The U14s played three tournaments this season and faced various challenges along the way . The highlight of the term being the plate win at Durham , in which the team learnt some good lessons along the way . Having never played 7s , the U14 have quickly learnt the requirements of the game and it has been a pleasure to watch their development over the last 10 weeks . Focusing on width and support , the boys have worked hard as a team to improve their cohesion , with most of the squad having represented the school in the tournaments . Had it not been for the cancellation of the Hymers tournament , all the boys would have played some 7s and experienced the excitement of the smallersided game .
THE POCKLINGTONIAN 49