We are the Champions!
22 Mar 2024
Ashby School's U18s rugby team have been crowned county champions following a 31-10 victory over Robert Smythe Academy.
Match report by PE teacher Ricky Wickwar:
'Ashby started the quicker of the two teams with a scintillating run by Charlie Watkins, setting the tone for the match with good build up play which led to Jack Lewis bulldozing through defenders to go 5-0.
It was a tight next five minutes with some good defending needed. Matt Armson, Harry Carr and James Crawford were relentless in defence but, with some poor discipline, RSA got a penalty bringing the score to 5-3.
Ashby continued to defend but a crucial turnover by Nat Pearce got us out of danger to move up the field and put an attack into place through fly half Sam Hill. Jack Lewis soon went over for his second try of the match making it 10-3. Ashby continued to put pressure on there opponents with wingers Fionn M Smith and James Martinson making some flying runs. Jack Lewis scored another try for his hat-trick and converted by Matt Armson to make it 17-3. There was time for more action with Charlie Linsey putting pressure on the opposition to force a mistake to which Rhydian Douglas reacted quickly to recycle the ball for another try with some good hands from the back line for Matt Armson to score before half time to make it 24-3.
RSA came out the blocks in the second half and quickly scored to make the score 24-10 to narrow the gap. For the next 25 minutes, it was an arm wrestle which resulted in some heated exchanges and both teams losing a player to the sin bin for 10 minutes. RSA was camped in Ashby's half putting pressure on the try line but the defence held strong and Jack Rawlings got a vital turnover and Joe Harris pounced on a loose ball to run 40 metres to score the final score of the game, making it 31-10.
Captain Josh Cribb lifted the shield as Ashby became U18s County Cup champions.
It was a great physical encounter which was played in the right spirit by both teams. To see so many students enjoying school sport and rugby, to play for one another and be victorious was a pleasure to watch.
Special thanks go to Mr Tsang and Mr McCarron for supporting and coaching the team from the side lines and Mrs Cooper, Mrs Rundle-Brown and Mr Skervin for travelling and supporting the boys.'
