Rugby

Picture: Joshua Rowe.

1st XV

The 1989 season had only two old colours returning — Richard Griggs as captain and Philip Brown as vicecaptain. Their leadership and determination ensured that a difficult season went as well as it could: all the players gave one hundred per cent on the field, and approached training, both for fitness and unit skills, in as thorough and committed a way as any group in recent years. As die statistics suggest, wins were hard to come by, but pride and determination were never in doubt, and all the games were played out to the full even though we were often outgunned.

The opening non-school matches were narrow defeats, despite a brace of ingenious individual tries by John Suckling against the Retiring Captain's XV. In the next two games the leadership and skill of the captain, Richard Griggs, were sorely missed as we went down rather heavily against much more mobile yet much bigger sets of forwards.

The next game, against Barnard Castle, gained us our first win of the term. An even first half saw us turn around 3-0 leaders, thanks to a penalty near the start by Philip Brown. Almost straight from the kick-off a drive by Richard Griggs and a surging run by his back-row companion Jason Morris saw a score converted by Brown to put us 9-0 up. The last quarter of the game found us defending courageously and despite two tries by the opposition — kept well to me sidelines by our own backs' and back-row's excellent tackling — a 9-8 win was our just reward. Two more defeats took us up to half term.

The first day back after half term produced our second win of the season against a young touring side from Hampton School. The 27-7 scoreline included a brace of excellent tries for the fly-half Robert Crossley: he caught his own chip to score his first try, and then a thirty metre side-stepping weave to the line untouched through half the opposition gave him his second. There were other splendid individual tries from Jason Morris off a set-piece penalty move and from the scrum-half Alex Deighton, who ran some twenty metres from the base of the scrum to score with two people hanging round his legs, as well as a splendid back-passing movement for the winger Gavin Proudley to score in the corner, just on half-time.

A series of four losses ensued against some traditionally difficult old enemies. Almough the scorelines seemed most one-sided, territorially we often had the lion's share but were simply outpushed in the pack or drawn into an overlap in the back division, which cost us dearly. Proof of the unstinting determination shown by all the players was a win against Ashville by the narrowest of scores. However, I am unable to comment

on any part of the game as it was played in the most awful fog I have ever experienced: visibility went down to fifteen yards at times, and the game remains a mystery to this day even to many of those that played in it! Next came a most heartening performance, perhaps our best of the season, against Woodhouse Grove, when despite being 10-0 down after about quarter of an hour we staged a remarkable comeback: an excellent, planned short lineout on the edge of the 22 saw the ball whipped down the back and returned for Paul Carvosso to score, followed by an excellent and most difficult conversion by Brown. This sent us into the second half with our tails up, which resulted in an immediate interception try by Proudley, followed some ten minutes later by a repeat of the first half's short line for Morris to storm through and score, thus putting us in the lead, 16-10. However, thrilling endto-end rugby saw an injury-time equalising score and conversion by Woodhouse Grove, which left us a little down-hearted as we perhaps were unlucky not to have stayed in front. The last game of the season returned us back to earth against a very strong Bradford Grammar side, but we acquitted ourselves well, with another gutsy, determined effort, rather against the odds.

Players

R. Griggs*, P. Brown*, G. Proudley*, C. Caldwell, L. Panitzke*, J. Morris*, D. Williams, L. Patton*, D. Tunstall*, E. Savage*, J. Mee*, P. Midgley*, P. Carvosso*, A. Mondal*, A. Deighton*, A. Bryan, R. Crossley*, K. Schoeman*.

* Colours J. A. Owen-Barnett

Results

York Vlth Form College Retiring Captain's XV Leeds Grammar School Silcoates School Barnard Castle School Hymers College Denstone College Hampton School Ampleforth College Worksop College Pocklington School Durham School Ashville College Woodhouse Grove School Bradford Grammar School Home Home Away Home Home Away Away Home Home Home Away Away Away Away Home Lost Lost Lost Lost Won Lost Lost Won Lost Lost Lost Lost Won Drawn Lost 6--10

8--16

4--34

0--40

9-- 8

6--28 1227-

4--30

0--30

0--27

4--22

4-- 0 16-

0--22 -33 - 7 -16

By looking at the strength of the 2nd XV squad, containing many inexperienced players, we knew that it was going to be a long hard season ahead. In terms of the results this indeed proved to be the case, but the players refused to lose heart and worked hard at their technique and unit skills. Towards the end of the campaign a successful pattern of play did emerge and the side started to believe in its ability to compete with and beat opponents. The players will have learnt many important lessons and it is to be hoped they will not be forgotten before next season.

D. K. Morris

3rd XV

After years of excellent service with the 3rd XV, Mr. R. Hubbard moved on to other areas. He will be remembered for the cavalier and gentlemanly spirit he brought to his "Club".

The 3rd XV fielded a fairly settled squad throughout the season, consisting mainly of senior boys. The squad developed a fine attitude, and worked hard throughout matches and in training. Although the team met with no success, they stuck at it with exemplary effort, and on balance enjoyed their rugby. The 3rd XV is indebted to the efforts of B. Taylor, M. Simmons and the captain T. Wilson, although the entire squad can take some pride in adversity.

G. Lawrence

Under 16 XV

The term was less rewarding than it might have been both in terms of success on the field and progress made throughout the season. The side was not lacking in physical presence. It possessed two strong props in Angus Gowthorpe and Charles Barlow, the captain, although the latter missed a substantial part of the season because of injury. It had a good line-out jumper in Andrew Ludiman and an outstanding tackier at flanker in Christian Martin. Some players made notable progress as the season developed, none more so than Clifford Coggrave and Paul Reavley; others gave of their best whenever they played particularly Tom Reid, Graham Wood, Christopher Richardson and Oliver Gardner. However, the team had possibly the lowest level of tackling ability seen at U.16 level for several years. What was even more critical was the poor attitude of some of the squad towards training and their inability to drive themselves both physically and mentally to achieve higher standards.

The opening match against Millthorpe proved too easy and was inadequate preparation for much sterner opposition at Barnard Castle. Playing with the wind, St. Peter's conceded three tries in the first ten minutes all due to woefully weak tackling. Thereafter the side showed great resolve and only conceded one further try but never

looked capable of reducing the deficit. In the following game against Hymers, the School's pack played with considerable determination; however, the visitors possessed highly talented backs who were capable of making incisive breaks to produce five converted tries. Whilst the School were deservedly beaten, there were periods when the game was evenly balanced due to the high commitment of the forwards. This encouraging performance was followed by a victory at Denstone in which the home side's backs were even more inept in defence than St. Peter's allowing David Thompson to score a fine individual try.

The first match after half-term saw the School take an unexpected lead against Ampleforth with a fine spirited first half performance and it was only late on in the half that the opposition overhauled the School due to strong running forward play. After the interval the School were generally on the defensive and despite the heroic efforts of some, five further tries were conceded. Whilst the School were well beaten, they sustained their effort until the end of the game. Such an observation could not be made at Worksop when St. Peter's conceded thirty-six points in the second half against an unexceptional side. This was perhaps the worst performance of the season in which skill, courage and commitment were generally lacking. Unfortunately the match against Pocklington the following week was a performance in a similar vein and as the match progressed, Pocklington as other teams had done previously, grew in confidence to score at regular intervals.

The final match of the season produced a victory against Durham in a closely contested game in which Dylan Perlman at scrum half had an impressive game scoring two tries from short range with strong running.

With no more U.16 fixtures available, some players graduated to the Second XV and showed good potential for next season.

The following players represented the School

C. Barlow* (capt.), T. Reid*, C. Martin*, C. Coggrave*, A. Gowthorpe, A. Dean, D. Thompson, B. Mundell, P. Reavley, O. Gardner, C. Brooker, L. Midhage, C. Richardson, A. Birch, P. Gummery, G. Walker, J. Thompson, D. Perlman, A. Ludiman, G. Wood, P. Tse, B. Dickson, J. Holliday, P. Ferrow, S. Clarke.

* awarded colours J. W. R. Hutt

Results

Millthorpe School Barnard Castle School Hymers College Denstone College Ampleforth College Worksop College Pocklington School Durham School Home Away Home Away Home Away Home Home Won Lost Lost Won Lost Lost Lost Won 50-- 0 0--20 8--30 15-- 4 9--39 0--40 3--40 19--14

Not a string of victories — but some — yet everything comes to he who waits. Many good things were born of the efforts of these young men who played with heart, ran with spirit and won or lost in good grace. Throughout the season progress was made — close matches, the try that almost was, the foggy pitch that snatched away the light of victory. Dramatic; perhaps so, but the team enjoyed many a tense moment at Ashville and Worksop and gave hope for the future in many other games. The side which had a lot to learn was indeed learning; had learnt, but was still only half way to the try line. It will be crossed with the same effort in years to come. Well done to the team, the squad and our valiant supporters.

Team selected from

J. R. Bailey, C. M. A. Braganza, J. R. Brooks, G. W. Chiswick, M. J. Davies, T. G. Davies, C. F. Farley, J. W. Fieldsend, E. F. Graves-Tamvakis, J. M. Holgate, G. C. Keenan, A. J. Killip, T. J. Oakley, M. E. P. Pittman, M. J. Porter, C. D. H. Roberts, N. A. Silversides, M. G. Todd, J. Ward, P. J. Watson. D. M. Crook

Under 15B XV

The season overall was a disappointing one in terms of results, with the team winning two matches out of nine. However, the character of the team and play of most individuals improved as the season progressed. The matches against Bradford G.S. and Woodhouse Grove showed that on their day the B team could play enterprising and exciting rugby.

In the forwards, the team showed good spirit against much larger opponents and special mention should be made of Jonathan Brooks, Ben Butler and Richard Pipes who "took the game" to the opposition.

The half-backs were Richard Ambrose and Matthew Todd. Richard played a Captain's role at scrum-half and showed great determination and leadership. Dominic Millen had some splendid runs in attack and also demonstrated sound defensive tackling in the centre. However, our strongest defender must have been Charles Roberts who produced some "breath-taking" tackles in our match at Pocklington. The wings were Jamie Ballantyne, Shalin Khanna — who have outstanding pace — and Nicholas Silversides who was an extremely strong and determined runner. I would like to thank the boys for working so hard at their game over the last two seasons and for the parents who gave such positive support.

Team

R. Ambrose (Captain), J. Ballantyne, J. Brooks, B. Butler, G. Chiswick, C. Farley, P. Gorman, S. Khanna, J. Langford, D. Millen, T. Oakley, R. Pipes, M. Porter, C. Rayne-Davis, C. Roberts, H. Shedden, N. Silversides, J. Swallow, M. Todd, A. Wallis, P. Watson. R. G. Shread

This was a most encouraging season for the U.14 Colts. They attacked well using both the backs and the back row. Defence was always more of a problem but improved a great deal in the tail end of the Christmas Term.

A real lack of bulk in the front row caused problems all season. R. Pugh and A. Rigby were ever present and contributed a tremendous amount of commitment despite their physique. C. Pyne began the year injured and eventually accepted this and became a stalwart in the B XV. As he grows his time will definitely come. M. Inness moved from full-back to 'prop'(H) and achieved a considerable measure of success as his experience grew. The second row gave us some much-needed height in the line-out with M. Hunter excelling. Providing he maintains his commitment and listens he should become a very fine forward indeed. S. Parry grew in stature all year and became a most effective member of the boiler house. His courageous performances in the junior House matches showed that the determination for success is there. R. Clark provided a fine replacement when injury caused his inclusion. The back row of B. Councell, R. Silverwood and T. Duncan proved both mobile and effective in support. It was most pleasing to see their commitment not only to attack but also defence. All three gave a great deal to the squad and I hope learned much from this year. T. Duncan may well find lock more to his liking next year with M. Hunter taking over the No.8 slot; time will tell. At scrum-half we had a midget in terms of physique but a giant in terms of attitude, talent and commitment. N. Walker must eat well in the coming months and maintain his infectious enthusiasm. His defence aligned to a sharp eye for the gap will make him a formidable opponent in a few years time. T. Cockcroft played well at fly-half learning all the time. He must become more instinctive to develop all the way into a fine outside half but he is getting there. Positioning in attack and defence were problems but he listened and learned. His tactical kicking in attack was good but in defence he often took too long to kick or stood too close enabling the cover to catch him. The most marked improvement was in his tackling. He showed this to the full in a magnificent game at Bradford. N. McBride proved a good attacking centre able both to judge a break and when to ship the ball on. Again his tackling improved as both he and N. Middleton gained a greater understanding of each other. N. Middleton showed pace and determination in defence, a valuable asset for any boy of his age. J. Beaufoy occupied the winger's slot with G. Gibb. Both proved powerful runners with the ball. J. Beaufoy's tackling was better than G. Gibb's but the latter did make considerable improvements to this aspect of his game. He also cut out the constant urge to cut back into defence rather than pin his ears back and go for the corner. Finally, his good kicking proved a significant factor as the season progressed. P. Taylor proved a steady fullback capable of sound defence and positive attacking play. His positional sense did let him down on occasions but added experience will improve this. Paul's greatest attribute was his courage in the tackle, a most necessary asset for a full-back.

In summary the boys listened and learned, especially from their mistakes. The first Pocklington game was the lowest point of the season with heads going down and a lack of pride showing through. However, this occurred but once and was eclipsed by a quite splendid defensive performance at Bradford and a marvellous win at Pocklington in the return fixture (will T. Cockcroft ever get another one!).

Finally, T. Duncan proved a fine captain with a positive and supportive attitude on the field and a polite well-mannered approach off it. My thanks go to him and the boys for another enjoyable season and especially to Mr. Bruce Allen and Mr. Matthew Grant for all their invaluable help, and to the most knowledgeable and supportive group of parents who followed our successes and failures.

The following represented the 'A' XV during the season 1989-1990: M. Inness, A. Rigby, R. Pugh, M. Hunter, S. Parry, J. McNeill, T. Duncan, B. Councell, R. Silverwood, C. Pyne, R. Clark, N. Walker, T. Cockcroft, N. McBride, N. Middleton, G. Gibb, J. Beaufoy, P. Taylor, S. Clegg.

P. J. Stephen

Results

Silcoates Barnard Castle Hymers College Ampleforth Worksop College Pocklington Durham School Ashville College Woodhouse Grove Bradford Grammar Pocklington Yarm Away Home Away Away Away Home Home Away Home Away Away Away Won Won Lost Lost Won Lost Won Won Lost Lost Won Won 3416661502629601324- 0 - 0 -28 -32 - 6 -22 - 8 - 0 -28 -18 -12 - 8

Under 14B XV

P W D L F A 13 3 2 8 80 241

In spite of the disappointment of the overall results, there were many moments of highly promising and skilful play. Indeed, the level of skill grew and developed enormously during the season. Regrettably, however, at this level no amount of skill and co-ordination is sufficient to overcome lack of size and strength. Yet the squad gained further enthusiasm, fostered a team-spirit and showed pride in their selection to wear a brown shirt. It was pleasing, too, that several members gained further experience and skill through A team selection. Congratulations to Black, Clark, Clegg, Mcllhinney and Pyne for winning A team places.

As the season progressed it was gratifying to watch the boys gradually (!) realise that the key to competitive rugby is threefold: possession, going forward and support. On several occasions the ball won from solid forward set