Senior Rugby Report.

 Unfortunately, the end of term games were disrupted by the weather and so for the final two Saturdays no Senior matches were played. This should not distract from the fact that this term has been one of the best in terms of performances and results for quite some time.

If we remember back to the summer the 2008/9 season started in New Zealand with 24 of the present 1^st and 2^nd XV squads returning having played 8 matches winning 7 and drawing 1. Add to this the First XV record since September of played 11 won 7 and the Second XV Played 9 Won 7 Lost 2 then the excellent performance of the whole squad is obvious. In both sides the losses have been close - in 3 out of the 4 First team games we were ahead at half time and both the second teams were by two points.

The 1^st XV have battled well and all of the matches could have been won if we had been a little bit more clinical at times and had kept a clear head. This should not distract from the outstanding display of the side however. Right at the start of the season we lost two hookers, one through injury and the other retirement. Not long after we lost a prop and so Peter Erskine, Sam Callaghan and Elliot Bowen should be congratulated for stepping into the breach so efficiently. Their progress has been helped by the coaching of Mr Watt and Alan Holmes both who have done a magnificent job getting all of the front row forwards up to pace. The loss of Adam Rushton, a North of England player, after just one game, was a huge blow. We all wish him a speedy recovery after his operation and hope to see him playing again in the not too distant future.

The Captaincy and play of Harry Ormsby has been one of the major factors for our success he has been well assisted by Ben Holland and Lewis Williams, all of whom have focused and lifted the side when required.

Both Grant Blackshaw and Kelham O’Hanlon have improved as the season has progressed both are now dangerous in attack and solid in defence. They have been served well by two very able scrum halves both who would have walked into any other first XV. The back three have continued to learn and have scored some excellent tries. Up front Nick Carrdus has remained fit as those around him fell he is now as strong as an ox and can be relied upon to turn win ball off opponents in the mauls.

One of the major successes of the side has been the back row. Dale Martin, Ben Samuels, and Luke Skyrme have disrupted many an opposition on the floor turning over ball they thought they had secured. Dales lineout work is outstanding also and he compliments Ben Hollands work superbly. Nick Barker and David Johnson have stepped up when required and have never been found wanting, they will both get more regular action in their final year it is certain.

The victories against Arnold and Stonyhurst at home were awesome for the occasions and will live long in the memory for those who leave in 2009. From my point of view the best performances were the first halves in the three losses, the second half in the wind and rain at Rishworth and the match against Stockport where we built a win through some excellent kicking from Blackshaw.

Although it is difficult for me to comment too much about the 2^nd XV I must congratulate them on their success. It is always difficult for them as their team is often disrupted by my selections for the 1^st XV. However under the leadership of Mr Stephenson and Skipper Tom Coyle they have been the schools most successful side this term. Listening to Mick I know the team has been outstanding as a whole but that there are a few players who stand out every week. Yet again the back row of Tom Pemberton, Christian Williams, Walled Arshad and recently Eddie Glynn carried on the success of their counterparts in the first XV. In the lineout Rob Taylor and Tom have won a constant supply of ball through the super throwing of Sam Callaghan  and  Theo Moran.

Behind, the play of the young half backs Matt Goupil and Pearce Carson has been outstanding week on week so much so that Pearce is now in the First XV set up. The solid running and defence of the centres has scored and stopped many a try and the finishing of the wings has been devastating. At the back as solid as a rock has been Sandy Tonge. We all wish Josh McClaren the very best as he leaves to go back to Aus. He will certainly be missed but will take back the memories of a fine term on the 2^nd XV wing and a cameo role in the first XV v Rossall.

With three Senior fixtures left after the break I hope we will all endeavour to stay in some sort of shape over the holidays, then it is 7’s – yippee!

Well done again to all of the Senior Squad, 3^rd XV included. You have shone brightly for the school in 2008. Have a fantastic Christmas, enjoy the break and the festivities and I wish you all a very Happy New Year.

Phil Rudd.