Aluredian
65
Rugby
1st XV
by Nick
Gresswell
T
his was a challenging and
exciting season for the 1st XV
with no shortage of surprises.
Brilliantly led by Henry Close,
whose athletic and
determined play typified the
side's attitude, the team had an excellent run
in the Daily Mail Cup and scored good wins on
the local circuit.
Dominic Bracher and Alex Brown provided the
cutting edge and try-scoring flair with eight and
six tries respectively. Bracher's hat-trick
against Torquay Grammar and Brown's
individual effort against Bristol Grammar School
were the pick. James Huxtable remained the
top points scorer for the second year after
another excellent season with the boot.
An early win against the OAs (21-5) and a
stunning victory against Canford (14-10) were
a great start. Difficult games against Clifton,
Plymouth, Blundell's and Cheltenham were to
follow, but they were full of promise. Tom
Farrow exceeded expectations at prop after an
heroic performance against Clifton, Nick Mason
displayed strength and pace all season and
deservedly scored his brilliant interception try
from halfway against Cheltenham.
Jack Watters continued to cause problems for
every defence with his powerful, bullocking
runs, whilst switching between centre and
No 8 proved successful. Other back row
contributions came from George Chapman who
was a constant tackling machine, scoring a
well-worked try against Bristol Grammar
School, and Hugo Segrave, whose robust and
physical performances in the tight got the team
onto the front foot with ease.
The win against Queen's (44-5) showed the
true capabilities of the side. Another exciting
find of the season was Will Walters whose
adventurous and unique running gained him a
hat-trick in this match. Tries came from set
piece and open play, and Olly Gibb, who was
immense at the lineout, grabbed a battling
score, showing great tenacity. Gibb was ably
partnered by Will Pope in the second row and
his prowess at the front of the line secured
valuable set piece possession.
Although never hitting the scoresheet Omar
Hamaoui was a livewire in attack, full of guile
and trickery, and challenging every defence.
James Pardy and George Bayless alternated at
hooker, both bringing passion and hard work to
the role. We lost Robin Danaher and James
Walsh to unfortunate long-term injuries during
the season but they made valuable
contributions nonetheless.
The season finished well with a tense and
exciting game against Taunton School in which
the side played extremely well, but lost out to a
penalty right at the death, losing 21-18.
Reaching the 6th round of the Daily Mail Cup,
the furthest any King's team has ever been,
was a tremendous experience, and sets a
wonderful target for future years.
This was an incredibly enjoyable season with a
superb group of players who were great fun to
be around and coach. Their huge strength was
as a collective and they always approached
training with enthusiasm and joy, which is such
a pleasure.
Dominic Bracher breaks
through the Clifton defence