Arnold School

U15s make County Cup Final

It had been four weeks since the U15s last played a match together but there were little signs of rustiness in their Lancashire Cup semi-final against Cowley HS today. The month of 7s practices had clearly sharpened their skills, as from the very beginning of the match Mr Evans's side were ruthless and clinical in their approach.

Playing into a strong wind in the first half did not deter the U15s. They dominated possession, especially at the breakdown, and with Sam Crowther in sparkling form at fly-half, they dominated in terms of territory as well. Cowley were abrasive, committed at the tackle and very elusive and quick out wide but Arnold were so dominant in the rucks and mauls that the dangerous Cowley backline was starved of possession.

Arnold scored first after a fine break by centre, David Mitchell. He drew the Cowley winger to send James Aird in for a well worked try. Crowther added the extras. Minutes after this, some extremely impressive forward play saw the ball recycled for eight phases until Callum Whiteside released the backline with the try line in sight. An offside saw Crowther send over a penalty for a 10-0 lead against the wind.

Cowley made a fine 80 metre break through their exceptional centre but Jacob Reid made a fine last ditch tackle. The Liverpool school enjoyed the better of the closing stages of the first half but Arnold, on three occasions, managed to turn the ball over on their own line. Sam Crowther's kicking against the wind was quite exceptional, with some kicks making 40 metres or more.

With the wind behind them in the second half, and with Whiteside and Crowther in such fine form, there was only one part of the field in which the match was going to take place. James Wilson and Tom Jepson did some sterling work in the loose and Year 9, Alex Casey, had one of his most impressive matches in an U15 shirt. In fact, a quick and unexpected tap penalty saw Casey dart over for a try at the start of the second half.

Team captain, Jacob Nickson, had a majestic second half and he was rewarded for his hard work in the loose and set piece with two well taken tries. Joe Shaw finished off a well worked try after a poor kick by Cowley released Tom Jepson who expertly drew the last man to send Arnold's speedy left winger over for another five points.

James Aird completed the scoring with his second try after good handling by Mitchell and Connolly to complete a memorable 41-0 win.

Jack Sprigg and James Haythornthwaite deserve a mention for their efforts, especially in the set pieces, and Jacob Reid and Will Fairhead were close to faultless all afternoon. However, the man of the match was Sam Crowther who played beyond his years throughout the match.

I know all of the boys and parents were keen to thank the rugby coaches in this thrilling season. Not just Mr Evans, but also Mr McKeown, Mr Smith, Mr Oliver, Mr Jones and Fylde RFC's, Dave Wilks, whose advice and hard work have been invaluable during each and every Games lesson this year.

Arnold will now play the winner of the match between Manchester GS and Audenshaw School at Blackburn RUFC on Sunday 29th March. More details to follow in due course.

Posted by: M L Evans
Date: Tuesday 10/03/2009