U16s win group at National Schools Rugby 7’s competition

Caterham Colts travelled with excitement to the largest rugby tournament in the world held at the Richardson Evans Memorial Ground on Wednesday. The squad, ravaged by illness, was seemingly on its last legs with only 9 of the 12 strong squad available for the day’s play. But this doesn’t deter the Caterham pupil as with adversity there is opportunity. With their steely mindsets forged in the development of the PE and 7’s programmes, each boy was there to maximise their game-time and enhance their decision making ability at the highest level of the schoolboy game. 

The first games against a vocal and edgy Ysgol Bryngwyn side required the boys to maintain their discipline in this vital first encounter. Caterham played up the hill and transitioned from side to side stretching the Bryngwyn defence with Alex S the first to challenge his opposite man. The challenge – a foot-race to the corner where Alex came out on top with a PB of nearing 12s flat in the 100m, it’s hard to see many getting close to him.  7 points, try and conversion from Fionn F. The second encounter happened to be a more physical challenge with  Alex again coming out on top with another try, concerted by Fionn. Further tries from Jiayou on the edge after neat footballing skills from Fionn saw Caterham extend the lead running out 26-5 victors.

Second match came against Colyton Grammar, who struck first showing their ace card early on in the form of a speedy winger. The game ebbed and flowed with Caterham seemingly having secured the victory only for several decision making errors to allow Colyton back into that game and then snatch a draw with the last kick of the game. 26-26.

The final game of the group saw us pitted against Gordon’s School in a winner takes all final bout. Gordon’s drew first with a try out wide. This was just the shock Caterham needed and they immediately clicked into gear. A chip and chase try just before half time from Fionn F, saw his football skills on show again running from the dead ball line up the hill to dot down for 7- “nothing like matrons path” he commented with a smile! 

After half time, the sides again exchanged tries with Fionn running another one in from his own half only for it to be cancelled out with immediate effect. Gordon’s seemed to have won it with a break round the outside with 30s left on the clock and their full bench erupting. This is the time for the leaders to step up, decision making at its most important with everything on the line. Santi the first to contribute with a jackal on the half way line, tapped quickly and taken on by Seb who distributed to Edwin- the side with deep into the Gordon’s 22 with a high tackle awarded to Caterham. 

The side spread wide a vocal, forced the opposition to increase their spaces leaving Arun G in a 1v1 which he fancied. With incredible leg-drive he bulldozed over to score in the corner and break the hearts of the Gordon’s team winning 34-29. An impressive feat with the side down to 8 in total, 7 of those boys will be in this age category next year