Rugby Colts XV
(1971-72)

Played 21: Won 14: Drew 2: Lost 5: Points for 527: Points against: 161.

After a very successful season last year as the Junior XV, this year's Colts XV were looking forward to an even better one. And some pre-season training proved invaluable in preparation for the first game against Wallington, which we won (24-0). However, the following game against Gunnersbury was drawn, much to the disappointment of the team, but we gained consolation by defeating Vyners (52-0).

The results continued to go in our favour, with many fine victories, partly because of the high team spirit. Our first defeat was by a touring side from Bishop's School, Hereford; this was a close and exciting game in which we played well but were narrowly defeated (16-14).

At this time in the season we had the county trials, and had to play Windsor G.S. without seven players, W. Lambert, W. Healey, I. Wise, T. Barber, A. McClelland, P. Murtagh and J. Szelewski, who were selected for the final trial, the latter four eventually playing for the County.

After Christmas, with only six fixtures left, we produced some fine rugby, winning four of the games and losing the other two, to St. Benedict's and Surbiton G.S. Our last game of the season, against an undefeated Copland team, produced probably the best drilled rugby of the year, resulting in a fine win (25-12).

The season ended with the tour to Halifax and the Middlesex seven-a-side competition. Credit must be given to a very strong sevens team, which was unfortunate to be defeated in the first game against Haberdashers' (16-12), who went on to win the main competition easily. But we were not disheartened and won the plate.

Throughout the entire season a consistent effort was maintained by both regular and reserve players. However, some players deserve special mention. Props. W. Lambert and C. Bareham, playing in nearly every game, formed, with either J. Szelewski or W. Healey, a very compact front-row. The second row of P. Devenish and A. Martin, although uneven, and the entire back row of C. Simmons, P. Stockwell and A. McClelland made up a very formidable pack. In the backs J. O'Connell, P. Murtagh, T. Barber and I. Wise played exceptionally well as a team, with help coming from R. Laidler, G. Pendred, R. Brailey and D. Haugh.

The full team was: C. Bareham, W. Lambert, J. Szelewski, P. Devenish, A. J. Martin, C. Simmons, A. McClelland, P. Stockwell, W. Healey, O'Connell, P. Murtagh, I. Wise, T. Barber, R. Laidler, R. Brailey, D. Haugh G. Pendred, N. Drinkwater, R. Warren, S. Coney and I. Dunlop.

A McClelland