Aluredian
65
Rugby
1st XV
by Nick
Gresswell
A
n early defeat by Callum
Stonier's OAs side (26-28)
displayed the enormous
potential of the squad, ably
led by captain Greg Moody
who was a constant
powerhouse in the back row, both with his
calm leadership and powerful performances.
Defeats to Canford and Clifton followed, but the
Plymouth game was a turning point. Olly
Jones, usually a dynamic and explosive flanker
who had played at prop in the Canford game,
stepped in once again, whilst Taylor Buller
grabbed his opportunity and never looked back,
despite the inconvenience of a broken nose.
Chanin Chaipraditrak added his uncomplicated
and aggressive style of play alongside the
dynamic and skilled Jamie Grantham at hooker,
forming a formidable scrummaging trio. A hardfought
8-3 victory restored self-confidence and
belief in the way the side wanted to play. Alex
Brown scored an excellent winger's try, and was
joint top scorer with exceptional handling and
finishing, especially against Queen's College.
There was a disappointing loss to Blundell's in
a close game, where Jack Watters put in a
commanding midfield defensive performance.
Alex Barrow at scrum-half was key; his lively
performances and quick mind made him a
constant threat, whilst his distribution skills
were outstanding. An immediate backlash
against Bristol Grammar School followed with a
44-8 win and an outstanding individual display
from Luke Gavin, whose ability to break tackles
and carry the ball strongly made him one of the
players of the season. George Lock was superb
in this match but had his season curtailed by a
long-term leg injury. Alex Raleigh's incredible
work rate and his ability to break the gain line
at almost every opportunity was invaluable out
wide, and he deserved to be joint top scorer.
The game of the season was a stunning 15-14
win away at Monmouth. After going 14-0
behind, the 1st XV produced one of the most
amazing comeback performances. Dominic
Bracher produced a brilliant try from nothing at
full-back, running at pace with explosive power.
Tireless defensive work and line-out supremacy
from Nathan Smith and Henry Close in the
second row secured valuable possession. A
Luke Gavin try made it 14-12 in the dying
minutes, and at the death James Huxtable
struck the drop goal attempt. It lurched off the
crossbar and over, to record a famous victory.
James produced a number of other assured
kicking displays, and a fantastic performance
against Taunton in miserable conditions was
testament to this, whilst Harry Canning scored
a brilliantly worked try from outside-centre.
The last game of the season was against
Sherborne. Miles Lenygon stepped forward to
play one of his finest matches at No 8,
crossing the line to take a well-deserved try,
with an impressive handling and defensive
display. In a close contest Sherborne's
superiority in the contact area showed and
King's lost 13-20 in a great game.
It was a fabulous season and many of the
players grew in confidence to become
outstanding competitors. The team simply got
better and better and it was a shame that it had
to end when it did. Finally, a big thank you to
all those who played, for working so hard and
making it a hugely enjoyable season yet again.
Luke Gavin sidesteps round
the Bristol Grammar School
defence