The U11A and U13A rugby teams enjoyed an action-packed tour of the Midlands last weekend. The U11 tour started with a morning training session with the Worcester Warriors community coaches and some of their academy players at Warwick School. The boys then took part in a rugby festival at the same venue and competed against schools from that area of the country. After an indifferent start, the players went on to show admirable determination and increasingly impressive skills and teamwork to finish the day unbeaten with two draws and two wins.

Meanwhile the U13s were hosted by Bilton Grange and this turned out to be a highly competitive fixture, with the home side just edging it. After that, both teams retired to the comforts of the first-rate Stratford YHA where they enjoyed a well-earned dinner before spending the rest of the evening in the hostel games room or conference room where they watched highlights from the British & Irish Lion’s tour.

The next day the squads were up early and headed over to the recently opened and highly impressive World Rugby Hall of Fame. The boys enjoyed using the various interactive and digital resources but they were disappointed to see that Mr Daykin’s statue has yet to be put on display.

Last on the list was a trip to Bedford Blues RFC. The players enjoyed a training session on the practice pitch, with the highlight being the U13 v U11 grudge match (touch!). They then formed a guard of honour on the pitch for the players to run through just prior to kick off before watching the Blues take on the Rotherham Titans. The boys were able to watch the professionals from close quarters and it was a great way to cap a memorable tour as the home side romped to victory.

Finally, our thanks to all those involved, including the U13s and U11s themselves, who were excellent school ambassadors throughout – well played them!

Bilton Grange Match Write-up

By: Harvey Finbow

Final score was 40-35 to Bilton Grange.

Try Scorers:

Dan Bryanton
Archie Shelley-Taylor
Will Lamprell
Ben Smart
Louis Mayall x3

A fiercely competitive game from two teams who were similar is size and stature. Framlingham College Prep had the ascendancy with 2 early tries which put us on the front foot. The game however, quickly changed as we squandered a 30 – 15 advantage with a succession of softly conceded tries.. The fight back was on, but it seemed that all the factors were against us and in the end we lost the very physical match 8 tries to 7. All of the boys played very well and it was just a lapse in concentration in the middle section cost us the game. The game was played in great spirit and we would like to thank Bilton for their excellent hospitality. The team are looking forward to a packed day tomorrow.

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