Arnold School

The World's Largest Rugby Tournament

The U13's first game, against RGS Colchester, was a predictably tough encounter. What wasn't predictable was the superb and 'rust-free' play from both teams, testament to the first class conditions and many hours on the training field. Some patient play and simple yet effective hands created an opening for Elliot Fackey. Impressive defence allowed the tireless Charlie McLaine to dominate the breakdown and off load to the "live wire" Andrew Perry. This allowed the playmaking of Will Nickson and Tom Forster to work half gaps and McLaine offered intelligent support to go in under the posts. Fackey revelled in the open style of play and recorded another try along with a perfect conversion record. Colchester fought back with resolute defence and seized on a moment of indecision. Arnold immediately replied with a superb team score covering both sides of the pitch and involving every player at least once. A fine Colchester try made the game 21-14 and the boys sealed the game by continuing to force the opposition into errors.

Buoyed by this performance the often tricky fixture of the Oratory bore witness to a ruthless performance. From kick off the press defence of Alex Vowles-Bradley created loose ball. Matthew Garrod moved the ball and exploited the space. Straight from kick off again the now legendary call of 'Frankie Ball' at the resulting scrum saw Andrew Perry meander over the line untouched. Although Oratory appeared to have a significant size advantage the squad moved the ball with distinct skill and vison. This allowed for a couple of 'magic moments' from Nickson and Vowles-Bradley to create great space and allow support runners and  to finish off genuine team tries. Tyne Davis proved what a positive approach to training can do with a couple of eye catching runs and simple link play. A notable score from Oratory's best player resulted in the impressive 36-7 scoreline.

The final game of the group against Chislehurst and Sidcup was a "winners take all" affair. Arnold started very strongly but were faced with a determined and aggressive defence. Fortunately, the forwards - McLaine once again to the fore - had an iron grip on the breakdown. Patience and moving the ball out of the tackle disjointed the Chislehurst defensive pattern and three tries in quick succession from Perry, Fackey and McLaine brought what seemed an unassailable lead  of 19-5. This was reinforced by an excellent kick and chase, a flawless moving of the ball wide and Rory Humphries scorching over in the corner to make it 26-5. Eventually the big runners of the opposition got into the game and two very late tries made the scoreline 26-17.

The next stage was to decide group winners and the tiring legs and injury niggles of both teams led to a tense encounter. Eventually, a giant runner from the opposition exploited a blind side and evaded the first missed tackle of the day. Arnold fought back bravely in the face of excellent cover defence. A turnover was moved to Elliot Fackey who had options either side. He went to neither and with an extravagant dummy and an outrageous step he burst up the middle. As expected, great cover defence chopped him down and although he got a great pass in under the posts it failed to go to hand. Still refusing to give up, Ben Pritchard continued to scavenge for 50/50 balls and Sean Jagger swept a deep kick and counter attacked only to be bundled into touch and game over. A cruel loss that prevented the squad reaaching the last 16 of the national competition.

It goes without saying that, once again, this was a superbly organised tournament with expert refereeing and fair play. It also goes without saying to offer thanks to Mr Bleakley for his support and his frequent gems of sports psychology and to commend the boys for their flawless attitude both on an and off the pitch, a great couple of days.

Although they started with a strong performance against a talented Abingdon side, the U16 squad found the going tough and defeats by City of London Freemen's School and Torquay Grammar meant that their interest in the tournament ended on the first day. Nevertheless, without doubt, some of these boys will appear in the 1st VII over the next two years.

More news from the other sides in due course.

Posted by: G R McIntyre
Date: Thursday 25/03/2010