End of Season Round Up

U12s

A wonderful first season of RGSHW rugby for the U12s. Mr Burroughs and his team did an excellent job of coaching the players, many of whom were playing their first competitive matches. On many occasionsthe boys came up against opponentsthat had been playing together for many years, and they acquitted themselves admirably, showing great spirit even when results (and weather!) did not go their way.

A real highlight from the year is the depth of talent in the squad. Fifty-nine boys wore the school colours with pride and we frequently fielded atleast four teams – six at Reading Blue Coat! The memoriesshared at the FRORGS awardsspeak to the camaraderie the U12s now enjoy after just one season together and they look set for a rugby future filled with success and friendship.

The U12 parents were a highly supportive group and travelled far and wide to cheer on the boys. The support for FRORGS events and fundraising was equally impressive and we hope to welcome even more parents to events next season!

Jamie & Luke

U13s

This season has been an excellent year for U13s. The boys have really thrived under Mr Chitham-Mosley, who has been brilliantly supported by Mr McDonald-Smith and Ms McDonagh on match days.

The season got off to a very successful start at St John's Leatherhead (a new fixture for this season) with 3 teams playing and comfortable wins for the As and Bs. Next up were Hampton, both As and Bs won tight matches, a significant turn-around from the heavy defeats they had suffered the previous year. Next up was the local derby against Challoner's with both teams victorious. We were successful against RBCS before suffering our first defeat of the season against Whitgift, although there we managed a notable win for the Cs 25 v 10. We managed to come away from Caldicott undefeated, which was a fantastic achievement against one of the best schools in the country. We had mixed results against Warwick, but further comprehensive wins over RBCS. The last fixture of the season against Campion produced a hard-fought victory for the As with the Bs and Cs having a tough afternoon.

The boys have worked hard at their skills and techniques, and we have seen a lot of improvement. Their game management is also improving and they have some really strong foundations to build on and improve further next year. Mr Chitham-Mosley has instilled a collective responsibility and discipline in the students and the positive team spirit the students share is a delight to see.

The students have enjoyed a short but enjoyable 7s and 10s season playing at Warwick, Stowe and Northampton Saints for 7s and RBCS and Caldicott for 10s. The tournament at Caldicott was a real highlight particularly given the quality of the opponents. They finished the day undefeated but narrowly missed out on the trophy to QEGS Wakefield by a solitary bonus point. Thank you to also to Mr Honeyben and Mr Huelin who have supported Mr Chitham-Mosley and worked hard with the boys in games. We look forward to seeing what the students can achieve next season.

Tef

U14s

A fabulous season for all the U14s who represented RGS during the terms. Mr Fossey and team did a superb job coaching and encouraging new players to attend sessions and represent the school in exciting fixtures culminating in the C team even having 7 fixtures so there were multiple opportunities to don the shirt and represent RGS with passion & pride, whilst creating invaluable memories along the way.

These recollections and attitudes were expertly regaled by a few of the students who gave humorous, and inspiring speeches at the end of year FRORGS awards.

An extended squad were able to experience a tour to Jersey back in Feb where they visited some WW2 war tunnels, assisted with a beach clean and memorably won both tour matches. The boys had a fantastic trip and were grateful to experience such a wonderful opportunity.

The 7s season was a mixed bag – not progressing from a tough pool at Warwick but a few weekslater they won their pool atthe Rosslyn Park 7s so headed back the following day where they were eventually knocked out by Rugby School in the latter stages of the tournament. They nearly completed a remarkable comeback losing 29-27 after having been down 29-0 within a few minutes of the 2 nd half. All in all, a greatsuccess.

Once again, the Year 9 parents were avid supporters of all things social and took many tables at the various fundraising events – keep it up parents!

Gerry & Debs

U15s

Year 10 have put out two sides throughout the season. Both teams have shown great pride in their performances and camaraderie on and off the pitch.

The A team started the season where they left off as U14, posting some big scores early on and notching up over 100 points in their first three matches. Some challenging contests followed but a return to winning ways against Seaford, always tough opposition, and a convincing win against Campion closed out the 15-a-side season. This form was carried forward into a first foray into 7s rugby with great results at Warwick making it to the Cup quarter final.

The B team’s season followed a similar pattern to the A’s. A strong start, some tough but very close matches mid-season and a strong finish. There were convincing wins against Hampton, St Edwards and Campion. Defence was dogged and flashes of attacking brilliance often broke the deadlock in tight games. When, at times, they looked as though they were playing teams a year group older, RGS demonstrated great commitment and physical courage.

Thanks to the staff for all their extra-curricular commitment and vocalsupport on the touch-line from parents.

Rich

U16s

The U16s have had another strong season, continuing to successfully field two teams for most weekend fixtures. Four U16s have also regularly made the step up to the 1 st XV; thank you to Adam, James, Braden and Charlie for effortlessly transitioning to Senior Rugby! Unfortunately, our season was book-ended by some notable injuries, however, the depth of the squad and enthusiasm to play, meant the A Team was still largely victorious. Notable matches against some of our regular, strong opposition were as follows: 26-5 vs Hampton; 52-12 vs St Paul’s; 31-4 vs Seaford (away).

The most satisfactory victory was possibly away vs St. Edwards in Oxford, where under difficult circumstances, the boys showed their maturity and fought determinedly to an eventual impressive 10-3 win.

The B Team has also continued to enjoy a spirited season with more mixed results, butsome strong victoriestoo. With injuries and 1 stXV call-ups, the squad was a little reduced, so huge thanks to the U15 players who joined us on occasion, showing great energy and commitment.

Highlights for the U16Bs included 21-5 vs St John’s (away); 28- 7 vs St Paul’s; 65-5 vs Seaford (away). Both U16A and U16B teams ended the season with gritty away victories against The Campion School in Essex.

Whether on the pitch or on the touchline, it’s been another hugely enjoyable year of rugby. Thanks to all of the teachers, coaches and not to mention parents for your continued support. A special thank you to Mr Fleming, for leading the team. Despite the academic pressures of year 11, it’s clear the students have really appreciated the contrast rugby brings and enjoyed every minute of their season.

Looking forward, our best wishesto all our playersrecovering from injury, good luck to everyone touring in South Africa and hope to see many of you back on the touchline in Autumn!

Nathan & Jane

Senior Squad

What a year! The crowning glory of a busy and successful year of senior rugby came on 14th March. In front of hundreds of cheering fans, the 1st XV won the Continental Tyres National Schools Plate Final by beating Barnard Castle 27-24 in a tense and hard-fought match at the StoneX Stadium. We think thisis the first national U18 15-aside title for the school. The team were competitive in the 10 a side format, with good performances at Seaford and an agonising last second defeat in the Plate Final at Sedbergh.

This capped a busy and successful year for the whole senior squad. The 2 nd XV grew in strength and confidence, with notable wins against Berkhamsted, St Edwards and St Johns. And the 3 rd XV proved too tough for all those they faced (with 4 wins from 4). Great news for RGS Rugby that we were often fielding three competitive sides. The prospects for next year are excellent with a great crop of players coming through from Year 11 (a couple making their first team debut this year). South Africa awaits for the Year 11 and 12 players!

Thanks to all the staff, and to all the parents who stood on a series of wet and windswept touchlines throughout the season.

Ian & Vik