Rugby 1st XV
(1972-73)

The First XV finished the domestic season with a playing record of twenty-three matches played, eight won one drawn, and fourteen lost. This was by no means a poor season, however. Two games were lost by one point and another by only two. Furthermore victory against Gunnersbury was snatched away with the very last move of the match and we had to be content with a draw. In the first five matches we had three defeats and a draw which meant that the successful start to the season which is essential with school sides was missed, but it says a lot for the spirit of the side that we came back with two big victories. In the second match against R.G.S. Guildford, the team performed creditably for they had a very successful season. The away game against Reigate, one of the top ten school sides in the country, was far closer than the score 62-6 indicated. The side travelled all the way to Northampton who were predictably strong but despite an injury in the first few minutes to the vice-captain, D. Hughes, went down by 10-0 in a very close game.

There were several highlights to the season. The Old Boys were given a real fright while the school led for most of the first half, it was only in the final ten minutes that the score reached a more expected level. The best game of the season was undoubtedly played in the pouring rain in Wales. The side lost D. Banks with a nasty head injury after only ten minutes but with magnificent defence kept the Welshmen from scoring. A solitary penalty goal in the first half kept us in front and it was not until late into the second half that they finally scored a try. The conversion was missed which left us trailing by one point. Victory was finally denied when a second penalty, in the final minutes, bounced the wrong side of the upright. The season finished on a high note with a decisive victory over the strong High Wycombe side.

The strength of the side lay with the forwards where the competition for places was very keen. Deserving of special mention were Huw Harding, Steve Moss, Dave Banks and Billy Lambert in the front row, John Hall and Dave Warwick in the second row (and D. Hughes at No.8 - P.G.). The backs lacked any real pace and hence often failed to penetrate but Barry Nash and Brian Pendred provided regular and determined support.

Mr. Gibson was an inspiration in himself and his vivacious support from the touch line will be sorely missed this season. However with most of the forwards staying on this year, an excellent season under Mr. Kerr is in prospect and I wish them every success.

Finally I would like to express the thanks of everyone to Mark Norris who came on a years visit to the school from America. He knew nothing of the game when he arrived but by the end of the season he was a regular and a very popular member of the First XV.

D. HUGHES (Captain)