Having not played as a team since the Lent term it was a fantastic start to the season with a win. We had two training sessions to work on refining the basics (kick-offs, rucks, mauls and quick hands in the backs) then it was all down to how the players would gel as a team on the pitch.

Led out by Ali Sparrow (Captain) it didn’t take long for Ben Bown to put the first points on the board with Cory Vernon slotting the conversions to get us off to the best possible start. From then on it was hard work for the Forwards to produce clean ball for Glen Bridson to distribute to James Martin and the Backs were away. Tom Kistruck and Matt Scott on the wings received plenty of passes and watching Matt catch the ball at full stretch and top speed was really something (obviously his Basketball skills help him to make the ball stick).

Our Scrums were solid and Joe Spencer-Smith stole many against the head with support from his Props (Oliver Newberry-Martin and Tom Welch). Tom, Ali and Fenn Caddick were exceptionally mobile to get to the tackles in the Backs and greatly improved Glen’s chances of making more blind-side breaks.

As many of you know, the Rugby season doesn’t really begin until the Lent term, however it is always good to do some pre-season warm up matches and training to prepare the squad.

A huge congratulation goes out to all the players, it was a whole team effort, and I hope that they continue to work hard.

Final Score: Shoreham College 52 Lingfield Notre Dame 10