T
his was a season of mixed fortunes,
but nevertheless an exciting and
fruitful one. An early win against
the OAs saw free-flowing confident
running, which spurred the team on to
record an excellent victory against Clifton
a few days later. Ben Shapland got on
the scoresheet, and throughout the
season remained an indomitable force,
with ferocious tackling and great ball
carrying capacity. Rhys Davies claimed
the other score but unfortunately broke
his hand and his loss was keenly felt for
the next few games. However, on return
he added stability and vision as well as
his strength in taking on the defence with
his trademark hand-off.
We struggled to find consistency in the
next few games, losing to Plymouth,
Blundell's and Bristol Grammar School.
Despite these losses, skipper Archie
Watts remained a shining light of purpose
and endeavour, rallying the players and
leading by example. His never-say-die
attitude set the platform for later success.
Will Potter scored a brilliant solo effort
against Plymouth, showing balance and
tremendous speed - a constant threat, he
had the ability to change a game on his
own.
Defeat at Cheltenham nevertheless
showed glimmers of hope - the resilience
of the superb Michael Peek at open side,
who later toured Ireland with the National
Independent Schools representative
squad 'The Lambs', typified the resolve of
the players. Peek scored at the death
after back rowers Blaine Tottle and
Charlie Snow had endured a torrid time in
the centres, as injury forced changes.
Despite this they continued to play
outstanding rugby throughout the season.
In the forwards there was tireless work
from James Winsey and Ryan May in the
engine room, their longevity was
incredible and their work rate second to
none. They were never broken and
always determined to give their all. Their
spirit helped to drive the squad forward at
testing times.
The hard work paid off when the team
recorded a wonderful 24-23 win against
Canford, with Potter crossing the line and
the brilliant Laurence May in full flight.
Returning from knee surgery, May's power
and dynamism in the midfield, combined
with a full range of skills, set King's on
their path to victory. His inclusion in the
Exeter Chiefs Academy programme was
just reward for his talent. His audacious
chip ahead and collect with a back of the
hand off-load to Peek saw Alex Dunham,
in at hooker, crash over the line for the
most spectacular score. Dunham's
strength at the set-piece was enhanced
by the incredible technical ability and ball
carrying skills of Ken Rogers at prop.
Bullocking runs that terrorised fly-halves
became his trademark, as well as a keen
eye for the subtleties of the game.
On the other side of the scrum Jamie
Wild performed well whenever asked, and
Chris Shipman applied barnstorming
attacking play to his armoury, as the front
row began to take control of games in the
second half of the season. A stunning,
near faultless display against Queen's,
winning 86-0, and then a 17-12 victory
over Taunton School confirmed our status
as top of the pile in the local derby
games.
Jack Holmes excelled at scrum-half - his
rapid delivery, strong footwork and
sinuous power unlocked defences with his
sharp breaking game. Dougie Denton
provided guile and craft with his
exceptional acceleration and natural ball
playing skills. Conor Bannister was an
immoveable defensive rock in the
midfield, tenaciously tackling all and
sundry whilst Henry Willis brought guile
and quick feet to the wing. There can be
nothing but great praise for Albert Healey
who worked so hard at fly-half for the
majority of the season.
The season was perhaps not quite what
was hoped for in terms of results, but as
a group these young men were
outstanding company, great fun and an
absolute joy to coach.
Rugby
1st XV
by Nick Gresswell
Laurence May makes a break, with the 1st XV
well on their way to beating Clifton 14-12
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