Two words best describe today’s performance – Truly Awesome!!!! This was simply the best Under 11 Rugby performance I have seen in my four years here at Shoreham College.

On this windy day the tactics from start were to keep the ball close in the passing and to run on the shoulder of the ball carrier. We also focused on running at the opposition with pace and a heightened level of aggression. The side played today with much improved structure. James Monaghan, the team’s Fly Half, has found his voice of late and did a fantastic job of organising his backs deep in attack and flat in defence. The forwards, lead by Matthew Solomon, did well to control the set pieces and support the backs in contact.

The boys really came together and played as unit which was very pleasing to see. This said there were some spectacular individual pieces of play too. Midway through the second half, after Lancing had been on the attack for a good 5 minutes, Harry Phillips made a try saving tackle inside our own try zone holding the ball up and forcing the Lancing player into touch. Moments later, still under heavy pressure from Lancing, Matthew Solomon took the decision to kick the ball from inside our own 22 yard line. He then proceeded to chase the ball down and score at the other end. From the restart of the try from Matthew, Thomas Wedge caught to ball, saw a gap in the Lancing defences, and ran the full length of the pitch to score a gem of his own. James Monaghan was on form with the boot converting 4 of 5 conversions.

All in all, this was a terrific game of rugby played in a superb spirit by both teams. It was supported well by parents from both schools who did some fine cheering from the side lines. We will look for more of the same in next week’s fixture against Brighton College, which I’m sure will prove to be a dandy.

Players of the Match: Matthew Solomon & Thomas Wedge

Final Score: Shoreham College 33 - Lancing College 0