St Mary’s Year 8&9 boys rugby teams took part in the RFU ‘Day of Rugby’ in Manchester today. 25 students represented the school in a series of 7’s fixtures against a variety of different schools from across the North of England. The Year 8 team had a brilliant day, winning 4 and drawing 1 from their 5 games, scoring 14 tries while only conceding 5. The rucking and tackling was excellent, but the ball carrying and support play when attacking was the highlight of the day. Damon Baghi, Alex Warton and Ben Jubb all carried the ball well to score several tries each.
The Year 9 team came up against some very tough opposition but rose to the challenge, winning 1, drawing 1 and losing 1. The Kain brothers were, as usual, excellent throughout but they were not the only stars of the day, with Brandon Wilson, Josh Scott and Matthew Brown also showing their talents well.
After finishing their fixtures the teams then travelled to the AJ Bell stadium, the home of Sale Sharks, to watch an U20 World Cup fixture between New Zealand and Wales. For most of the students this was their first time seeing international standard rugby up close, and they were treated to the legendary ‘Haka’ by the All Blacks. The game was a thriller with New Zealand coming out on top 20-19 thanks to a last minute penalty by All Black inside-centre Jordie Barrett.
The boys were fantastic throughout the day and represented the school brilliantly. Both sides have impressed in all festivals this year, and we look forward to seeing them continue to develop as they move further up the school next year.
Mr Hook and Miss Gleadow.
Scorers
Year 8 – Ben Jubb (4), Nathan Challoner (3), Alex Warton (3), Matuesz Duczek (2), Damon Baghi (2).
Year 9 – Josh Scott (2), Matthew Brown, Isaac Kain, Charlie Kain, Ben Nelson Taylor.
Players of the Day
Year 8
Ben Jubb – Outstanding leadership throughout the day. Ben was highlighted by opposing members of staff and referees for his excellent ball carrying and tackling. Ben came up with the tackle of the day when he took on an opposition player twice his size, picked him up and forced him backwards before taking the ball.
Damon Baghi – Brilliant ball carrying, always keeping his hands free, even when being tackled, so that he could look for a pass to set up a teammate. Was also rock solid in defence, and is easily the most improved player in the team this year.
Year 9
Matthew Brown – made a fantastic try saving tackle, as well as several big hits on opposition players. Was also able to break clear for an excellent solo try which he finished with a flourish.
Isaac Kain – impressed with the ball in hand, always making ground and driving his opponents backwards. Isaac made several outstanding 1v1 tackles and led by example in every game played.
The Teams:
Y8 – Ben Jubb (capt), Kevin Palliser Bosomworth, Jack Pilling, Damon Baghi, Alex Wharton, Nathan Challinor, Will Campbell, Daniel Young, Matthew Duszeck, Harry Buggy, Ethan Kortenbach, Luke Devlin, Jake Davison.
Y9 – Charlie Kain (capt), Matthew Brown, Isaac Kain, Josh Scott, Asif Khan, Ben Nelson Taylor, Matthew Sheerin, Jack Dennison Thompson, Nadi Ahmed, Brandon Wilson, Alex Dagg, Oli Edgar.
