Rugby Reports 18
(1973-74)

1st XV 1973-74

Played 20 Won 5 Lost 15 Points for 118 Points against 382

With a nucleus of experienced players returning from last season's team, it would have been natural for the players this year to expect to enjoy a successful season. In fact, apart from a few patches of good play, most of the players must have felt frustration in their inability to establish a winning combination. The team, though enthusiastic, found it difficult to maintain its standard of play throughout a match.

The early season games served as an example of the doctrine that the basis of good rugby stems from the forwards gaining good possession for the backs. Whereas our forwards managed to hold their own in the tight scrums against most schools, they were too slow about the field and in getting the ball on to our side and in our hands. Thus, on many occasions, as our forwards pushed the opposition back in the loose, the all-important facets of play of making the ball available and keeping one's eyes open, were ignored in the enthusiasm of the moment, and the opposition gained possession. Consequently, the backs were often unsure as to whether we could win ball and this led to a certain indecisiveness on their part. When good ball did come, as it did as the season progressed and the forwards settled down, it was often wasted by hurried passing or kicking.

The first half of the match against a very strong St. Benedict's side saw the School play its most sustained and entertaining rugby of the season. It is perhaps typical of the season to say that the side could not convert this possession into points and still ended the half by being down. It is interesting that the team played best when down by several points. It was as if this added pressure was necessary before the team realised it had a game on its hands, by which time it was often too late. There was a tendency for the physical side of the game in practice sessions to be lacking in aggression and this weakness in approach became apparent in matches.

A. Essex, R. Bentley and S. Taylor, all deserve special mention as they were playing in their first season of senior rugby.

John Hall had a particularly difficult task as Captain, and I should like to thank him for all his efforts.

A special word of thanks is due to all the ladies who provided the team and spectators with excellent teas.

2nd XV

Record: P. 18, W. 13, D. 2, L. 3, For 335 pts., Against 140 pts.

It took a very powerful Old Boys side, playing some fine open rugby in the second half, to inflict the only heavy defeat on the 2nd XV, which lost just two of its seventeen games against schools, both by a mere six points. In spite of frequent team changes and injuries, the depth of talent was such that victories were gained by sides containing as many as eight reserves, several of whom would have held a regular place in previous seasons, for example, Richard Burdett, Mark Dickens, lan Hill, Richard Owsley and Martin Searle. Indeed, in 1973-74 the School had some thirty players of second fifteen calibre, but some perforce played in the 1st XV and some in the 3rd XV!

The season began with defeat by Wallington (13-19) who capitalised on slack defence to overcome a half-time deficit of 13-0. Thereafter we were rarely so prodigal and a succession of victories followed, notably over Gunnersbury (30-16), Windsor (44-12), Harrow (30-0) and Guildford (20-4). Success was based on a big, mobile pack, capable of dominating in all phases of forward play. Three fifth formers were particularly prominent: Jerry Harris was a strong, mobile, hard tackling prop; Nick Owen an aggressive number eight and the team's top try scorer: and Andy Rowley a steadily improving second row. They were well supported by Mark Dickens, Andy Foulkes, Will Healey, Roger Heyes and Pete Stockwell. Behind them Stuart Taylor had several outstanding games at scrum half, giving an excellent service to fly half Clive Thomas, who varied his tactics with considerable intelligence. However, frequent changes among the three quarters hindered the development of teamwork and prevented them realising their full potential. Of the more regular players Peter Darrell, Paul Harries, Martin Searle and Julian Szelewski all played very well on occasion.

The end of term brought a draw with Latymer (4-4) and the defeat by the Old Boys and then in January we lost narrowly to Reigate (0-6). In this game we did not play badly and were unlucky to have a try disallowed, but we could not sustain the all out effort required to beat this successful side. It seemed that the 2nd XV might emulate its predecessor's poor spring term, but it recovered its poise, recording creditable victories over St. Benedict's (8-6), winning far more comfortably than the score suggests, and John Fisher (14-4). Our success at this time may partly be attributed to the contributions of such seasoned campaigners as Dave Banks, Mark Huddleston, Peter Johnston and Steve Moss.

The team was well captained by Blair Dunlop, who made a superb debut as a full back against Gunnersbury and continued to play in that position with skill and courage until he deservedly won promotion to the 1st XV. Andy Foulkes ably deputised for him on several occasions and had several fine games at wing forward. Both these players have served the 2nd XV loyally over the last three years, training hard, often playing out of position and always giving of their best.

The final match of the season was against High Wycombe, who always provide strong opposition at this level. After the preliminary skirmishes a scrum was won; crisp passing along the line with the full back in to make the extra man released the wing for a long run; he kicked ahead and the forwards, following up fast, won the ensuing ruck; the ball was sent to the outside centre who chipped over the line and touched down near the posts, with the conversion a formality: two minutes gone, six points up. This text book rugby was sustained and eleven tries were scored in a 58-4 victory. The finest performance I have ever seen by a School second fifteen provided a splendid climax to an excellent season.

Congratulations to all members of the 2nd XV for their sustained efforts and considerable achievement.

E. A. Cox

3rd XV

Played 9 Won 3 Drawn 0 Lost 5 Points for 85 Points against 164

On the whole, a very disappointing season. At the beginning of the academic year it was our firm intention to form a strong Third XV squad which would train regularly and play a greater number of games than in previous years. Things went well at first with two convincing victories against Harrow County and Richard Hale School. Then, unfortunately, disaster struck when several schools had to cancel fixtures because of their inability to raise a team.

After a month without a game, this young and relatively inexperienced side, willing to play against any opposition, faced first Rickmansworth School First XV and then Vyners First XV. They were well beaten but played with a spirit and determination which did them great credit.

After Christmas, injuries to players in the First and Second XV's meant that the sides few remaining fixtures had to be played without several key men. Nevertheless, the team still showed plenty of enthusiasm and scored a fine win against Gunnersbury School.

Attendance at training sessions was good and a number of boys - R. Owsley, R. Burdett (Captain), D. Putt, D. Boyd, D. Sweeney and R. Rice deserve special mention for their keenness and consistency during a frustrating winter. 

N. Charleston

Colts XV

Played 17 Won 10 Drew 0 Lost 7 Points for 313 Points Against 196

This was the team's most successful season and a record number of team members were selected to play for the Middlesex Schools Colts XV. They were: A. Blundell, C. Orlans, N. Pendred, K. Price, and M. Strudwick.

At its best the team played rugby of a higher standard than any so far achieved by a St. Nicholas Colts XV. There was a lack of consistency, however, which resulted in two unnecessary defeats. There was a shortage of reserve backs and the team's morale was too easily affected when key players were missing.

From the talent available it might have been expected that a good sevens team would emerge, but despite some good play it never realised its potential.

The Colts XV toured Yorkshire, beating Ermysted's Grammar School, Skipton, 24-18 and Hipperholme Grammar School, Halifax, 16-14.

P. Cahill.

Under 14 XV

Played 18 Won 3 Lost 15 Points for 125 Points against 516

The main aim this season was to avoid conceding as many points as last season and to try to instil some confidence into the players. We achieved this by playing "ten-man" rugby. The forwards, strengthened by the inclusion of Hudspeth and Talbot gained at least an equal share of the possession. The ball was moved quickly to Hicks, who almost invariably kicked the ball for our wingers or forwards to run on to, thus producing scoring situations or gaining ground.

Our best result was in beating Richard Hale School 16-4, but the best game of the season was our narrow defeat away at Reigate Grammar School. We led by 6-0 after a fine try by Britton but we were eventually beaten by 12-6. The whole team played well, however.

Playing "ten-man' rugby has meant that the backs have had little to do but defend, which they did reasonably well all season. Tackling is still the weakest aspect of our play and has cost us at least three victories.

The following were awarded Junior Colours: Hicks, Hills, Hudspeth, Phillips. The team went on tour to Yorkshire, where they were heavily defeated by Ermysted's G.S., Skipton and Hipperholme G.S., Halifax, but nevertheless had an enjoyable tour.

P. Gibson

Under 13 XV

Played 16 Won 7 Drew 1 Lost 8 Points for 290 Points against 265

The side has played reasonably well this season, supported by a good pool of talent in the reserves. The excellent Junior House Competition showed that the year has ability in depth and could do well in the future.

Both Gross and McKenzie have played well in their respective positions, but there has been a tendency for the rest of the team to sit back and rely on such players to win the game for them.

The scrum has been sufficiently organised, helped by Horne's good hooking, to provide the backs with good ball, and as the season progressed the rucking of the side has improved.

Early on in the season the support play of the side was poor, but the inclement weather helped them in this case, because playing seven-a-side on the yard encouraged the necessary skills.

The tackling of the team tended to be adequate rather than devastating and perhaps in this there is an indication of a weakness in the side. The ability to encourage a controlled aggression is necessary on the rugby field and the team seemed a little lacking in this area.

Searle proved to be a good place kicker, and led the team well by encouragement and example.

The side played well in an end of season seven-a-side competition and will do better as they become more experienced.

A. Taylor

Under 12 XV

Played 6 Won 3 Lost 3 Points for 84 Against 77

The Under Twelve team was blessed with an abundance of really aggressive tacklers. What they lacked in experience and technique they made up in the spirited way the played. It was only at the very end of the season that the team began to reap the benefits of all the time spent on the basics, finishing with two first class performances.

As with most Under Twelve sides, the forwards tended to dominate the game and the backs rarely got the chance to run the ball effectively. In fact, the main task of the backs was to tackle the opposition and this they did with great courage. Taylor, Thomas and Owsley in particular were outstanding. The forwards were led well by Kirkham and always played together as a unit. Stone, Hird, Pullem and Williams were constantly involved both in attack and defence. This ability to play as a team bodes well for the future.

D. Rayner.

Seven-A-Side COMPETITIONS

The 1st 7 played well at the Bucks 7's and defeated two of the teams in its pool, before losing to a competent Royal Latin School 7, the eventual competition winners. The team, feeling quietly confident after these games, went to the Oxford 7's, but could not settle down and lost both games in their pool, after leading in each. In the Rosslyn Park 7's, the team met a strong Roundhay side, and, at last, played well to win 12-6. The following game against St. Anselm's School again showed the old inconsistency, the match going to extra time where we lost 9-6. I am sure the whole team must rue the consequences of arguing with a referee.

Having lost to St. Anselm's the team had a frustrating four hour wait in order to play Dulwich in the Plate (Runners-up) Competition. Dulwich had been finalists in the previous day's competition. Determined to play well, the team played the best 7's I have seen them play, and thoroughly deserved their 10-0 lead. Dulwich fought back to 10-10 and in extra time scored first to beat us by 14-19.

I should like to thank all senior players for their consistent attendance at training throughout the season and for their enthusiasm on the field.

Half Colours have been awarded to: A. Essex; W. Lambert; K. Lee; J. O'Connell; B. Pendred; S. Salama; N. Veal.

Report by A. Kerr: Master i/c Rugby