Rugby 2nd XV
(1973-74)

Played 18, Won 13, Drawn 2, Lost 3. For 335, Against 140.

It took a very powerful Old Boys side, playing some fine open rugby in the second half, to inflict the only heavy defeat on the 2nd XV, which lost just two of its seventeen games against schools, both by a mere six points. In spite of frequent team changes and injuries, the depth of talent was such that victories were gained by sides containing as many as eight reserves, several of whom would have held a regular place in previous seasons, for example, Richard Burdett, Mark Dickens, lan Hill, Richard Owsley and Martin Searle. Indeed, in 1973-74 the School had some thirty players of second fifteen calibre, but some perforce played in the 1st XV and some in the 3rd XV!

The season began with defeat by Wallington (13-19) who capitalised on slack defence to overcome a half-time deficit of 13-0. Thereafter we were rarely so prodigal and a succession of victories followed, notably over Gunnersbury (30-16), Windsor (44-12), Harrow (30-0) and Guildford (20-4). Success was based on a big, mobile pack, capable of dominating in all phases of forward play. Three fifth formers were particularly prominent: Jerry Harris was a strong, mobile, hard tackling prop; Nick Owen an aggressive number eight and the team's top try scorer: and Andy Rowley a steadily improving second row. They were well supported by Mark Dickens, Andy Foulkes, Will Healey, Roger Heyes and Pete Stockwell. Behind them Stuart Taylor had several outstanding games at scrum half, giving an excellent service to fly half Clive Thomas, who varied his tactics with considerable intelligence. However, frequent changes among the three quarters hindered the development of teamwork and prevented them realising their full potential. Of the more regular players Peter Darrell, Paul Harries, Martin Searle and Julian Szelewski all played very well on occasion.

The end of term brought a draw with Latymer (4-4) and the defeat by the Old Boys and then in January we lost narrowly to Reigate (0-6). In this game we did not play badly and were unlucky to have a try disallowed, but we could not sustain the all out effort required to beat this successful side. It seemed that the 2nd XV might emulate its predecessor's poor spring term, but it recovered its poise, recording creditable victories over St. Benedict's (8-6), winning far more comfortably than the score suggests, and John Fisher (14-4). Our success at this time may partly be attributed to the contributions of such seasoned campaigners as Dave Banks, Mark Huddleston, Peter Johnston and Steve Moss.

The team was well captained by Blair Dunlop, who made a superb debut as a full back against Gunnersbury and continued to play in that position with skill and courage until he deservedly won promotion to the 1st XV. Andy Foulkes ably deputised for him on several occasions and had several fine games at wing forward. Both these players have served the 2nd XV loyally over the last three years, training hard, often playing out of position and always giving of their best.

The final match of the season was against High Wycombe, who always provide strong opposition at this level. After the preliminary skirmishes a scrum was won; crisp passing along the line with the full back in to make the extra man released the wing for a long run; he kicked ahead and the forwards, following up fast, won the ensuing ruck; the ball was sent to the outside centre who chipped over the line and touched down near the posts, with the conversion a formality: two minutes gone, six points up. This text book rugby was sustained and eleven tries were scored in a 58-4 victory. The finest performance I have ever seen by a School second fifteen provided a splendid climax to an excellent season.

Congratulations to all members of the 2nd XV for their sustained efforts and considerable achievement.

E. A. Cox