Rugby Round-Up 23-11-2017

Thursday saw the reintroduction of the traditional Radley College fixture.  When analysing the results it is clear to see why it is such an important fixture for the school – all boys on the rugby programme get to play and games are generally very well matched. 

Bedford just edged the win:loss ratio which was largely down to the strength in depth of the younger teams. The U14C, D and E teams marched on in impressive style; the U14D team with truly remarkable statistics to date; played seven, won seven, points for 315, points against five.  Nothing more can be said that would do this achievement justice.  However, if there is any team who can test this record it’s Harrow, the boys will need to be at their very best if they are going to maintain their perfect playing record this Saturday.

Similarly, the U15 2nd game can boast similar statistics, in fact, the U14 and U15 2nd games between them have only lost four matches this season. The U15 teams enjoyed a clean sweep of wins and what was impressive about this is that all matches were away from home.  This is true testament to determination and resolve of the year group.  Regardless of the inevitable obstacles that occur on away fixtures, all the U15 teams seem to prepare for matches exceptionally well on game day.

The U16 teams all had close games but it was only the U16A team that found themselves on the winning end.  However, the players will have been disappointed by how scrappy the game became, particularly following the performances they have put together of late.  A chance to put things right against an ‘in form’ Harrow team.

With the senior sides it was the 3rd XV who had much to cheer as they battled hard to come out on top in their game.  A committed defensive display managed to keep out the hosts and a couple of well-taken Bedford tries meant the team came away with the spoils. The 1st XV went three tries up very early on and looked in complete control of the game.  However, Radley started to wake up after their slow start and gathered momentum through Bedford indiscipline and strong ball carrying.  A few of the Radley players were a real handful with ball in hand and seemed to break tackles at will.  The first half ended with the game in the balance.  However, Bedford adapted to the opposition threats in the 2nd half and ran in some excellent team tries.  Reni Omitomilola was the pick of the players this week as he ran in four tries, his game is going from strength to strength.