Rugby 2nd XV
(1970-71)

PI 20 W 5 D 1 L 14 Points: for 244, against 260

47 boys, including five Colts, played for the team, under ten captains. On average, four reserves played in each match, while five games finished with a man off the field. Thus, a coherent pattern of play could not be developed causing team spirit to suffer at times.

If our tackling had been of average standard, the number of defeats would have been fewer, since, on several occasions, enough points were scored to have earned victory. Many easy tries were presented to our opponents, and too many players waited for the pass, bought the dummy or just stood off their opponents. Tackling is a regular part of the game and an offensive weapon; it is a means of gaining "good ball" and of disrupting the opposition's rhythm.

However, there were some highlights. Excellent rugby was played in victories over Vyners (39-0) and Slough 1st XV (23-8) and in defeat against St. Benedict's (3-12). The greatest excitement came against Harrow when the pack produced a stirring second half rally, playing with a fire and unity that was unfortunately never recaptured in subsequent games.

Individually, one remembers the solid work of S. Pearson in the pack: the all round ability of A. Szalewski, top scorer with 78 points; the catching and kicking of A. Haynes at full back; the hard tackling of J. Mulholland, G. Murphy, and P. Thomas; the speed of D. Cox, which earned him six tries, and lastly, the vociferous leadership of P. Jones.

E. A COX