1stXV beat St Mary’s

What a terrific game of rugby we enjoyed down in the borders against St Mary’s last week. The sun shone and it was great to have a really competitive game, with both sides attacking and defending really well. We knew St Mary’s would be strong – the past two years have been titanic games against them at U11 – and they certainly had a pacey and elusive three quarter line which would test our defensive system.

Under glorious sunshine, it did not start well! We conceded a try in the corner very early on, and our defence was too bunched which left us exposed out on the wing. That said, we hit right back with Geordie diving over after some excellent handling and support play, and then stretched our lead with Jamie running through in to the corner. However, St Mary’s were not done and again they attacked down our left hand wing and scored again, in exactly the same way as their first try which was disappointing; we really were exposed and must stay connected by talking to each other and seeing what is in front of us. Following some excellent rucking and off loads, we battered their line and Timo dived over for his first try, on his 1stXV debut and with Monty scoring an excellent try in the corner, we were 26-21 ahead at half time, with the game still in the balance. We then scored three tries to make the game safe, but credit to St Mary’s who never stopped and showed real skill at the breakdown, jackling the ball a number of times as we failed to commit enough numbers.

The result was not in doubt, but we had certainly been tested, and although not quite at our best, we were not allowed to be, and St Mary’s played their part in what was a very competitive of Prep School rugby, with lots of skill and good rugby on show. Target for next week: improve our connecting and shape in defence. Talk to each other more!

But well played, boys, and thank you to St Mary’s for their excellent hospitality, as always!