Rugby Junior XV
(1971-72)

Played 19: Won 14: Drew 0: Lost 5: Points for 491: Points against 155.

This was, on the whole, a most satisfactory season. After losing the first match to a strong Wallington side the Junior XV then had a run of nine games without defeat: Gunnersbury, Vyners, Hampton, Windsor and Harrow County were all beaten quite convincingly. The forwards, under the leadership of J. O'Neill, improved with every match. A. White (hooker) was outstanding in the scrums, while Essex and Rowley were effective in the lines-out. Outstanding in the loose play were Owen (No.8) and Bentley (wing forward). First to the rucks and mauls, they invariably came away with the ball. Their dominance in this aspect of the game is reflected by the number of points scored by each: Owen scored 29 tries, Bentley scored 10.

The possession won by the forwards was put to excellent use by the threequarters. Taylor and Tibbs were very sound at half-back and combined well with Searle (inside centre) to produce many scoring opportunities for the strong running of Wilford (22 tries), Darrell (24 tries) and Drake (12 tries).

In defence, the captain, G. Partington, was outstanding. His tackling was excellent while his positional play and handling were sound.

The season ended with a successful three-match tour in Yorkshire. Despite a narrow defeat against Hipperholme; in the first game, the School XV went on to play attractive, open rugby which left the opposition gasping. Ermysted's were beaten by 48 points to 6 and Crossley and Porter were beaten by 38 points to 3.

The side is obviously full of talent and can expect another successful season next year.

P. Gibson.