Rugby Reports 06
(1960-61)

The season proved to be the most successful in the School's short history, with the 1st XV playing attractive open rugby when conditions allowed. The few defeats that were suffered were closely contested and the team was unlucky not to force a draw against both St. Albans and Isleworth. The pack played well against opponents who usually had the advantage of weight and experience, and the backs showed determination both in attack and defence.

Maddams led the side well, setting the example with enthusiastic and intelligent play. Among the forwards, Williams, Worley and Lawson were outstanding, while Weaver hooked well throughout the season and Harris played many fine games. The three-quarters were fortunate in playing behind a good pack and such an outstanding pair of halves as Sanderson and Morgan, but their poor handling often let them down after some constructive play. Backshall provided much of the thrust needed to score and, towards the end of the season, Bulgin showed promise as a penetrating runner in the centre.

Senior Colours were awarded to: D. Backshall, A. Harris, B. Maddams, D. Morgan, C. Sanderson, R. Williams, C. Worley.

J.G.L.

After an uncertain start to the season, the side's confidence gradually increased, and defeat was suffered only once during the Spring Term. The crowning point of the season was undoubtedly the two victories on tour in the West Country. After the promotion of C. Snook to the 1st XV, R. Stokes showed much promise at fly-half and helped forge a powerful link with R. Wormald, who had a very good season as scrum-half. R. Butterfield and R. Masefield showed much thrust in the backs, whilst K. Gathergood, D. Grant, M. Baker and C.D. Edwards were outstanding in the pack.

With such potential the 1st XV should do well next season.

B. J. C.

The fixture list was curtailed by bad weather but the Colts gave an excellent account of themselves in the games played. Good team spirit was responsible to a large extent for the successes and it was obvious when watching this team that they thoroughly enjoyed their rugby. Much credit must go to Snowden, the Captain, and Nowland, the vice-captain, for their enthusiastic leadership.

Threlfall, Snowden, Biles and Bolsover were always foraging in the loose, Wall was effective in the lines-out and Breslaw an efficient hooker. In the backs, Henderson and Nowland were outstanding. Generally the backs lacked power in attack but were sound in defence. Bowers at full-back and Byrne at wing-forward could always be relied upon in their own spheres.

Our thanks are due to Mr. Thomas who, unfortunately, has now left us for Dunstable.

J.G.L.

The play this season was considerably better than last year. Under the encouragement of Mr. Williams, the team played consistently well and the results were marred only by the heavy defeat against Merchant Taylors'. Burrells was always enterprising and dangerous while Muxlow, as captain, kept the team's morale at its highest. The forwards always proved to be the better pack under wet conditions. We hope that this excellent record will be maintained next season.

The following boys were awarded Junior Colours: Burrells, Foy, Moffatt and Muxlow.

A. C. CLARKE

Playing together for the first time, the school team had a very successful season. Unfortunately, however, five matches were postponed owing to weather conditions. Towards the end of the season, the team produced some very good rugby, registering a number of convincing wins, the best being the defeats of Harrow County G.S., 27-0, Sutton County G.S., 25-0 and St. Marylebone, 36-3.

Only two defeats were sustained, and intelligent teamwork was the order of each game. If the fifteen remain together throughout the school, a strong first fifteen is assured.

Cook, Seymour and Westray were the strength of the back division, while special mention must be made of Alleyne, who churned a path through the opposition, and Lockwood, whose wing-forward play was always impressive.

Too much credit cannot be given to Mr. Cahill, for his keen interest and sound advice.

I. R. JONES