SPORT // RUGBY 7s
At Woodhouse , once they had worked out that narrow play was successful , they produced the performance of the tournament in the semi-final , overturing a narrow group defeat to Durham , to run out comprehensive winners with some fast-flowing rugby . In the final , they played a great endto-end game – triumphing 24-19 , and bringing home the first silverware the rugby department has seen for a few years .
Throughout the term , boys played their hearts out and headed to London with optimism , even with a few key players missing due to injury . The sight of 50 rugby pitches and thousands of players was a shock to the boys at first , but in the scorching heat the boys played some great rugby against some huge and quick opposition . With tough group games versus Ivybridge and RGS Worcester , the boys finished third in the group and managed to secure a convincing victory against Hill House .
We played a friendly against Stockport Grammar , and with a depleted squad they fell to a 28-24 loss . After their own fixtures , the boys had the opportunity to watch some of the best U18 teams in the country , and capped off the term knowing what they need to do next season . They have been a great year group to coach , and I look forward to seeing them progress over the next few years .
Player of the Season : Tom Pearson Most Improved Player : Noah Pym
U13 VIIs
I have been delighted with the progress of this group of boys . They have been more focused and engaged , and their skill level has therefore increased exponentially . Their progress from the first tournament at Durham , to our last tournament as home , has been great to see . This was highlighted by winning the cup competition at the end of the season .
Players of the Season : Seb Staal and Ed Preece Most Improved Players : Alfie Hawkes and Jack Shannon
U12 VIIs
This term has seen individual players improve hugely on their core 7s skills – particularly the consistency , length , and accuracy of their passes in both directions .
It has been a real pleasure to see the relish with which they adapted to the shortened version of the game , looking to stay clear of contact and generate width and attack around the edges .
Although wins have been hard to come by at festivals , there have been some notable performances – not least in a final showdown at the Bradford tournament against the hosts , as well as a monumental performance against St Peter ’ s . Some dogged performances by Jacko Wong , Will Milner and Toby Morris cement these battling performances , to finish off a super season in style .
Players of the Season : Jacko Wong and Toby Morris Most Improved Player : Lucas Tanikal
50 THE POCKLINGTONIAN