U13A vs Beachborough School
On Wednesday, the U13As took to the road again for one final time. We headed for Beachborough School where we were lucky enough to get a last-minute fixture against our hosts and Ashfold School. The triangular format is one we have grown accustomed to over the course of the season, but nothing beats an old-fashioned straight match and on our final week, we sort of got both.
We had a quick game against Ashfold, who fielded a Year 7 and Year 8 combined team due to their low numbers in each year group and The Beacon Boys put on a dominant performance and scored some great individual and team tries with Philip A, Oran O’B, Thomas R, Xander B and James L all dotting down for one each and Finlay F scoring two.
It was a special day for Finlay with a lot of his family watching and his dad unsure whether to cheer on his son or his old school…
Either way, we knew we were going to be in for a tough game and the opportunity to extend the match was taken with both hands by both coaches.
This game had it all; ferocious defence, attacking flair, boys getting held up over each tryline and thankfully a great neutral ref from Stowe School. The game ebbed and flowed and a lesser team would have cracked under the intense pressure, but this bunch of Beacon boys dig deep for each other and this game was no exception. It finished 2 tries apiece with Finlay F scoring a great try and Elliot R finishing a super team try – what a pop up from Louis D and some serious graft from Elliot to get into that supporting position. It was like watching Jonah Lomu and Josh Kronfeld back in the day…. (1995 World Cup boys – watch some videos)
Now, Strictly Come Dancing is not something that I watch but I am aware of. I also know there is a judge called Craig on there who is pretty tight when it comes to his scoring and rarely gives a 10 out of 10. But Finlay F for this match was hands down a 10 out of 10. A leader by his actions and a true warrior for the cause on Wednesday. You inspired all around you Finlay and thankfully everyone got in behind you and also raised their game.
Parents and all other supporters – thank you for your consistent support of the boys throughout the season. It was always appreciated and while the boys probably don’t say it – they loved having you there to watch.
To Charlie, our captain, well done for leading the boys. Your front row of Angus B, Elliot R and Cameron R have been tenacious all season. The second-row partnership of James L and Thomas R (whose cameo in the centre on Wednesday was very impressive) have been a proper engine room and done a lot of the donkey work which many don’t see but never goes unnoticed. Xander B and/or Finlay at 8, have grown as players, both physically and tactical this season and all the pack should look forward to rugby in Year 9 – wherever that may be.
Our backs have played some scintillating rugby at times this season and Tag L and Charlie C have formed a super half back partnership. Our centres, Philip A and Thor K, terrified other teams all season and our outside backs of Oran O’B, Dylan J and Louis D have all contributed to some super tries. Notable mention for the other 6 boys who have represented the 1st this season – thank you Ben F (super effort on the wing on Wednesday), Theo H, Alex C (another who put in a super level of effort in the centre for the team on Wednesday), Jackson R, Theo W and Aiden C.
Farewell rugby season and farewell to rugby at The Beacon for all these boys.
Boys – don’t be sad it’s over, be happy that it happened!
Reported by Mr Powell