The Rugby Sevens report
tic fixtures over the season. The U12 boys lost only one fixture in the Surrey Rugby Festival. The U16As had a superb season, reaching the School Sport Magazine quarter-final: it started with a convincing win against Colfe’s, then a nail-biting victory against a resilient Emanuel team in the pe- nultimate week of the term. The Lent Term saw the U16s play their best rugby of the season with a great away win at Campion School in dire condi- tions, followed by a win at home against The Judd School. The quarter-final saw us draw with local rivals Whitgift. It was, as ever, a physical game and a great advert for schoolboy rugby. Dulwich had many chances to win this game, but lost 20–7. A mention to Sean Smyth and Emmnaul Ogisi for leading the group superbly, alongside Noah O’Leary and Max Count for playing a up a year and showing great ability and game understanding. All of these boys were a credit to Mr Hanks and
Mr Friend who have done a fantastic job coach- ing this year group and setting them up for Senior Rugby. Personally, a big thank you to catering, grounds, events and staff who inspire all Alleynians at every session and fixture. And to all pupils who wear the black-and-blue with pride and the parents who give their endless support. 1 st XV is the pinnacle of schoolboy rugby, but there is no greater sight than a range of teams representing the College on playing fields every Saturday morning. ◎
D ulwich College Rugby players always give themselves a lifelong memory in the last week of the Lent Term. One of the great sporting occasions takes place: the Howden Rosslyn Park National Schools Sevens with all year groups showing the best of Dulwich College Rugby. The U14s had a strong showing in the Cup competition, reaching the last 32 and losing to eventual semi-finalists, Whitchurch. The U18s entered the Cup competition amongst the best rugby-playing schools in the country. They narrowly missed out on progressing into the Cup quarter-final with a heartbreaking defeat to rivals, Tonbridge. The 1 st VII entered the plate competition alongside some of the biggest names in English Schools Rugby: Sedbergh, Epsom, Whitgift and Harrow. The 1 st VII saved their best rugby of the season for this competition and reaching the plate semi-final, which saw defeat to Epsom and a top-16 finish in one of sport’s hardest tournaments. Following Rosslyn Park, the U18s headed to the Sedbergh Super Tens Tournament for some of the last games in the black-and-blue. This weekend will live long in the memory. The boys showed everything great about Dulwich College Rugby, winning the plate competition with victory over King’s Macclesfield in the final, 16–0. It was a heroic achievement for all involved, especially all Year 13 Rugby players who have given so much. ◎
by Joe Quinn, Head of Rugby
92
THE ALLEYNIAN 713
SPORTS
93
Made with FlippingBook flipbook maker