Yr7/Yr8 Rugby Spring Report

The second half of the rugby season kicked off just after February half term. Training was as effervescent as ever and there was a strong sense of intensity and focus from both the Year 7 and Year 8 teams respectively.

This part of the season’s cycle is used to play all of our local rivals, those not played in October, in District Leagues. Our competition included, Chesham Grammar, St Michael’s, Princes Risborough Upper School, Beaconsfield, Sir William Ramsay, Cressex and Amersham.

The Year 8s had a difficult first game against CGS and struggled to find their rhythm. However, after they’d blown the match cob-webs away they found their true form and started piling on the pressure. Unfortunately, this return to form was slightly overdue meaning the GMS team lost by 1 try. Their subsequent matches have been played at Aylesbury Rugby Football Club on the 4G pitch. GMS has won 6 games out of 6 and some players have even represented other teams who haven’t managed to field a full team. This mature and positive attitude is a reflection of the core values that this brilliant game instils in young people: all of the students at GMS who play rugby are clearly progressing and benefiting from this.

A significant mention should go to Jimmy Leach who has captained the side and shown how well he can manage the responsibility of this task. His communication and organisational skills are excellent – a true leader in the making.

The Year 7 team have maintained their original numbers, and even grown a bit more, now boasting a squad of 22 keen players. The ability level continues to increase and it is a pleasure to see so many boys enjoying the sport. As a result of their exposure to it at GMS, many of them are now playing for local clubs. The 7s had a very successful start to the season being crowned winners of the Berkshire Floodlit Tournament, beating local grammar schools John Hampden and Borlase, and they only conceded one, very closely fought, fixture against Desborough (in next year’s fixture we will be fielding our strongest team!).

Keen to build on these successes the boys took no prisoners in their first game. A relatively strong Chesham Grammar School side had met more than they could contend with when they entertained us at their pitch. No less than 4 of their PE staff were watching and one might assume they thought the outcome would be different. The GMS Year 7 rugby team worked like a well oiled machine, brutal ball carrying and pin point passes opened up the Chesham Grammar defence for well worked and fully deserved tries. Furthermore, despite the size of the Chesham backs the GMS defence remained resolute and allowed little, to no, joy for these sizable players. A full time score of 35-10 was a positive result after our demise in the Year 8 fixture.

The remaining fixtures against slightly weaker oppositions enabled our entire squad to contribute their efforts to the Year 7 programme. The development of the squad is critical as the boy’s progress in age: eventually they will be playing 15 aside and their squad of 22 will all need to be well versed and confident in match play for continued successes.

The progress of these players has been exponential, from non-playing to confident performers who know and demonstrate the appropriate skills and tactics throughout the game. This has been significantly aided by a positive squad mentality, where all of the boys are prepared to help and encourage each other in matches and training alike, sharing their knowledge and understanding throughout. The a/b team beat Beaconsfield 45-10 and SWR 45-5. The squad have one more fixture this term and then a county tournament at Aylesbury Rugby Football Club after the Easter break.

Mr Goodright is confident that this team will continue to progress and be successful; they have an abundance of ability, but, more importantly, a positive outlook that is fuelled by a will to win and an infectious enjoyment of playing team sport.

Mr S Goodright is the GMS Rugby Coach