The Bradfordian Issue 353 Autumn 2019 - Sport Reports: Rugby - Bradford Grammar School
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The Bradfordian
Issue 353
Autumn 2019
bradfordgrammar.com
@bradfordgrammar
Sport Reports: Rugby
1st XV Rugby
By J Oakes – Teacher of PE
I’m delighted to have the
opportunity to pass on my thanks
to all players involved in the senior
squad this season. When reflecting
on the year it's easy to focus on
some great results the boys
managed to produce. However, the
score board only tells a small part
of the story.
The boys began the season almost
a year ago, many of them showing
great dedication to training and
preparation throughout the
summer term on tour. It's no secret
that performances in September
are built on hard work in the off
season and this year’s cohort
certainly gave themselves the best
possible chances of success.
This led nicely into what was perhaps the most enjoyable tour I have ever been involved with.
Whilst we faced many challenges and incredible opportunities both on and off the field, to their
credit, this never phased the players who took everything in their stride, making the most of
every aspect of touring. What was evident on this tour more than any other was what a special
leadership group we had. Sam, Harry and Tom showed themselves to be leaders on and off the
field - a theme which continued through the season. This only reflects the ethos of the Upper
Sixth as a whole, who have had a challenging rugby journey through school - this year proves
that friendship and dedication trump all other factors in making a successful team.
It is my hope that the younger year groups who step into the 1st XV can continue the spirit which
has made this year's squad such a pleasure to teach. The young players who have fronted up this
season will only get better and I’m sure the pupils can make the future of BGS rugby a bright
one.
Michigan University football coach Jim Harbaugh once said ‘he could not judge the success of a
season until years later, when seeing what type of men his players had become. Would they be
outstanding friends, sons, husbands and fathers?’ I can say with absolute confidence that the
team of 2018 will do themselves proud in whatever they choose to pursue in life, and it has been
my honour to know them.
Awards
Most Improved - Sacha M
Most Improved 2nd XV – Aaron N
Effort Award – Luke S
Players’ Player – Sam B
Coaches’ Player – Harry B
Moffat Award (Overall Contribution to BGS Rugby) – Sam M (Captain)
Representative Honours
Yorkshire U18 - Sam B, Oliver O, Sacha M
Yorkshire Carnegie U18 Academy – Oliver O, Sam M
Independent School Lambs - Tom H
Played Won Drawn Lost Points For Points Against Points Difference Win Ratio
14 8 0 6 231 317 -86 57.1%
Date Venue Opponent Result Type
08 Sep Away Ampleforth College Won: 10 - 7
2018
15 Sep 2018 Away Crossley Heath School Won: 24 - 10
22 Sep Away Stonyhurst College Lost: 21 - 22 Friendly
2018
26 Sep Home Stockport Grammar School Won: 48 - 7 National
2018 Cup -
Round 1
29 Sep Away Hymers College Lost: 14 - 40
2018
03 Oct Home The King's School, Macclesfield Lost: 3 - 38 National
2018 Cup -
Round 2
06 Oct Away Birkdale School Won: 13 - 12
2018
13 Oct 2018 Home The Grammar School at Leeds Lost: 0 - 71
03 Nov Away Pocklington School Lost: 13 - 20
2018
10 Nov Home Giggleswick School Won: 22 - 21 2018 17 Nov Away Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Lost: 12 - 36 2018 (QEGS), Wakefield 24 Nov Away Ashville Harrogate Won: 17 - 9 2018 05 Dec Neutral Prince Henry's Grammar School Cancelled 2018 08 Dec Home Hymers College Won: 15 - 7 Friendly 2018 14 Dec Blackheath Colfe's School Won: 19 - 17 2018 1st VII Rugby By D Scarbrough – Specialist Sports Coach (Rugby) Played Won Drawn Lost Points For Points Against Points Difference 13 10 0 3 235 114 121 It was an outstanding 7s season for a very young 1st team squad, winning 10 out of 13 games, before heading down to the Rosslyn Park National Sevens. Some of the successes included becoming tournament winners at Rydal Penrhos Sevens, bowl winners at Ampleforth Sevens, and runners up at Hymers College Sevens Tournament. Stars of the season were Sam M who captained his men superbly, 'Gas Man’ Sam B for his strong performances, Tom W doing much of the hard, unseen work, the super fit, tough and competitive Alfie W, and the powerful Sacha M.
U16 Rugby By D Scarbrough – Specialist Sports Coach (Rugby) Such are the demands of Year 11 at BGS, that sadly there were not enough players to fulfil a regular ‘B’ team. However, 28 players represented the U16’s this year. Mr Scarbrough returned to school after two years away and was excited at the prospect of taking on a small but talented group of players. Five of the boys were regularly playing 1st XV rugby and with Will L (three appearances) often away on representative cricket duty, many fringe players were given an opportunity to show what they could do, whilst new leaders had to step up. The likes of James A, Freddie S and Henry S, all playing more than eight of the nine matches. Captain Oscar A led the team well, with his in-depth knowledge of the game and tactical decision making on the field proving invaluable. Amrit S continued his elusive running, securing nine tries in only eight fixtures. Physical performances from Ed H, Obi E and Freddie R-P regularly got the team good go-forward and created space out wide for the rest of the team. A win rate of 62.5% could have been higher with a better bounce of the ball, particularly against Hymers, who we played twice (28 - 37 and 17 respectively) and Pocklington, where sadly indiscipline got the better of the boy's enthusiasm. The first match and win of the year at Ampleforth (19-12) proved to be a gritty and valuable performance, described by second row Habib S as ‘courageous’, in which the group battled hard to overcome the tough opposition. Monumental wins against GSAL on their new 3G pitch (24-18), Rushworth (43-40) and old rivals QEGS (14-5) were evidence that this group of talented young men were a force to be reckoned with, enjoy each other’s company and enjoy their wins, often singing songs on the bus all the way back to Frizinghall! A number of boys regularly represented the 1st XV, namely: Obi E, Ed H, Alfie W, Lui S and Mbako C. Most of these boys also represented Yorkshire County and Yorkshire Carnegie U16’s (Alfie, Mbako, Ed, Obi, Amrit). This group will no doubt be remembered for their passion and love for the game, and I look forward to seeing them in action with the seniors next year, well done lads!
Played Won Drawn Lost Points For Points Against Points Difference 8 5 1 2 186 170 16 Time/Date Venue Opponent Result 08 Sep Away Ampleforth College Won: 19 - 12 2018 22 Sep Away Stonyhurst College Won: 21 - 10 2018 29 Sep Away Hymers College Lost: 28 - 37 2018 13 Oct Away The Grammar School at Leeds Won: 24 - 18 2018 03 Nov Away Pocklington School Lost: 20 - 31 2018 10 Nov Home Rishworth School Won: 43 - 40 2018 17 Nov Away Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Won: 14 - 5 2018 (QEGS), Wakefield 05 Dec Keighley RUFC Prince Henry's Grammar School Cancelled 2018 08 Dec Home Hymers College Draw: 17 - 17 2018 U16 End of Year Awards: Most Improved – Freddie S Coaches’ Effort Award – Josh G Coaches’ Player of the Year – Ed H Players’ Player of the Year – Amrit S
U15 Rugby
By D Pullen – Rugby Coach
The U15s had a very tough season,
with a limited squad affected by
numerous injuries to key players.
Much of the time coaching was
focused on developing the basic
skills of the squad and helping to
instil the right attitudes on and off the
pitch. The loss of players to other
schools over the previous few years
had a serious result on morale, but an
opening game against Ampleforth,
where they were in with a chance of
winning until the final whistle, gave
them some early season confidence.
Unfortunately, the rest of the results were not as close, and apart from the high scoring win
against Birkdale, they were unable to trouble the win column.
Much could be taken from the season, however, with the squad staying together and working
hard despite the results. A good team rapport developed, despite the losses, and a number
of players stood up in very difficult situations, making a significant impact.
In the forwards, none worked more tirelessly than Reuben T, whilst Ryan W and Ranvir N became
solid forces at prop and often made good contributions in open play. Keir C stepped up to A
team rugby as hooker, due to absences and always gave his best. Further back in the pack, Rahul
M and Max T formed a solid second row partnership, and in the backrow, Nick M was a
consistent asset to the team. Harun M was the star of the show, with his powerful running
leading to him becoming top try scorer from number eight. Sufyan K supported regularly from
the bench, and when at his best, made a number of impactful performances with his strong
running and great technical tackles. Hasan S, Zachi S and Murad P also made numerous
contributions to the squad.
In the backline, depth was an issue, with various injuries. However, when at full
strength, Nathaniel T, Joe F, Jake O’C, Will W, Ben H and Ed B gave a substantial threat. This was
unfortunately rarely the situation with injury and unavailability! Mark
W also provided considerable pace on the wing, but still needs to improve his basic skills
and understanding of the game. Archie H covered almost every position on the field due to the
injury list, but he made an outstanding impact when he himself was available, with his tenacious
tackling and close support play. This was particularly evident when it came to the 7s season.
Hooker Lewis B was another player to miss time through injury, but his limited contributions
were substantial, with his teammates recognising this with their votes for Players’ Player, mostly
from the performances in the 7s squad.
In the New Year, the start of 7s helped the team remove the issue of squad depth. They started
strongly in the opening tournament at Durham, beating the hosts and running local rival
Woodhouse Grove very close. It provided a huge boost to confidence, but cancelled
tournaments and further absences did not allow them to make the most from this.
2019/20 is clearly a year for development for the U15s. There is talent within the squad and many
players have come on in leaps and bounds. If they continue to stick together and avoid extensive
absences, then they have the ability to improve the win column considerably in Year 11.
Results: Record Name App. Tries Total
BGS 5 Ampleforth 12 0-1 Harun M 14 8 40
BGS 0 Crossley Heath 35 0-2 Ranvir N 14 2 10
BGS 5 Stonyhurst 53 0-3 Max T 14 2 10
Hymers 36 BGS 5 0-4 William W 10 2 10
St John Fisher Joe F 9 2 10
(cup) 52 BGS 5 0-5 Reuben T 14 1 5
BGS 40 Birkdale 35 1-5 Mark W 14 1 5
GSAL 55 BGS 5 1-6 Edward B 12 1 5
Pocklington 17 BGS 15 1-7 Ben H 11 1 5
QE (cup) 26 BGS 5 1-8 Lewis B 6 1 5
Giggleswick 40 BGS 10 1-9 Zachi S 8 1 5
BGS 10 QEGS 44 1-10 Sufyan K 13 0 0
Ashville 29 BGS 0 1-11 Nick M 13 0 0
BGS 0 PHGS 7 1-12 Shreyas P 11 0 0
BGS 5 Hymers 35 1-13 Ryan W 13 0 0
Rahul M 12 0 0
Jacob O’C 12 0 0
Points For: 110 Points Against: 476 Archie H 10 0 0
Murad P 10 0 0
Keir C 7 0 0
Hassan S 7 0 0
Armaan M 6 0 0
Mohammed
R 5 0 0
Nathaniel T 6 0 0
U14 XV Rugby By M Wilde, Head of PE (Outreach) This season a total of 20 games have been played at A and B team level, giving over 40 U14 boys the opportunity to represent this great school. The players have progressed both as teams and as individuals. The squad displayed genuine commitment and enthusiasm throughout the season. It has been a real pleasure to have coached this particular group of boys. The A XV looked to move the ball away from contact and avoid heavy collisions whenever possible. They started the season at home to Ampleforth College, in a game of contrasting styles. SHAC utilised their big, strong forward runners off nine whilst we looked to shift the ball away from the breakdown to bring our midfield runners into the game. SHAC certainly had the upper-hand up front but BGS defended courageously around the fringes. When we managed to take the ball forward at pace, into space and provided adequate support, SHAC were put under pressure and we scored three good tries. A good competitive contest, honours even at full-time but after enjoying large periods with the ball, I suspect SHAC left BD9 slightly disappointed with the draw. Next up Crossley Heath; a fantastic contest, between two very evenly matched sides, which produced some super rugby for the supporters of both sides who had braved the morning’s heavy showers. Improved support resulted in improved continuity for BGS but too often we lost the ball by tucking it up an arm pit and it was against the run of play that we led at half-time. In the second half, Crossley Heath enjoyed long periods with the ball but the BGS defence was magnificent; good line speed and super tackle height forcing turnovers. However, fatigue eventually began to tell, and Crossley Heath scored a deserved try in the left-hand corner after a driven lineout. We responded superbly after conceding and having regained our impressive
defensive shape, we forced a turnover in the Crossley Heath half which led to a to a converted score 14 - 5 FT; a great game which either team could have won. We were delivered a rugby lesson the following week versus Stonyhurst College. Completely outgunned and beaten by a better side on the day, it was a shame that the defensive heroics displayed against Crossley Heath were conspicuously absent. The game effectively over as a contest after 15 minutes when the Stonyhurst inside centre scored his third try of the game. The team responded well to the challenges set at half time and made Stonyhurst work much harder for the three second half tries that they scored. The game versus Hymers College was one very much a game of two halves; a first half to forget and a second half to savour. For the second week running the boys had a shocking first 15 minutes which gave Hymers a flying start but fortunately BGS began to gain a foot hole in the game and despite being two points down at half time, I was confident that if the boys responded positively to my challenges they would produce an improved second half performance and consequently turn the result around. Higher work rates and improved BGS support increased the tempo of the game dramatically. A great second half, producing five tries and the first emphatic victory over Hymers for these boys since joining the school. A straightforward victory was secured the week after against Birkdale. I was delighted that I was able to give a number of players their A XV debut in the absence of a B XV game on that day and competition for places was increasing before our last game of the half term versus GSAL. I felt the final score line flattered GSAL who used their big forwards coming off nine and found success with their approach. BGS scored the games' best two tries playing into the wider channels and should have converted more opportunities but were frustrated by GSAL's ability to slow down possession. A good competitive game won by the bigger, more physical side. Post half term, comfortable victories were secured over Pocklington and Giggleswick before we faced QEGS Wakefield, which was without doubt the toughest physical challenge the boys had faced thus far. A titanic defensive effort kept the score to 0-10 at half time, with better execution and confidence we could even have scored a couple ourselves. That said the well organised and aggressive QEGS defence really tested the BGS players in possession, so mistakes were inevitable. I was delighted with our second half try; scored after super support by Jonty M after great work from Will O. In such intense games, teams need individuals to relish the physical challenge and in that respect Morgan H, George H and Will O were outstanding. The boys bounced back well the week after with a win in a free-flowing game against Ashville College. Both teams attempting to move the ball away from the contact area and into the wider channels. A great opportunity to play under lights at Bradford Salem was somewhat dampened, literally, by atrocious weather conditions on the night. PHGSO arrived having already beaten STP York and Sedbergh so the game was always going to be a tough challenge. I was delighted with the effort from the lads to maintain possession for multiple phases but under such huge pressure from a very organised and physical PHGSO defence, getting over the gain line proved extremely challenging. The XV a side season concluded on a high by completing the double over a much improved Hymers College side. After Christmas our focus switched to the abridged version of the game. In preparation for the National Schools’ Competition at Rosslyn Park, we played a number of tournaments - the highlight of which was winning the bowl competition, in bizarre circumstances, at Mount St. Mary’s College. At Rosslyn Park the boys did extremely well to qualify out of their group but lost to a large, physical Stockport Grammar School in the knockout game. The bowl group games the following day could have gone either way but the volume of games over the course of the two days had taken their toll. At the end of the season, my thanks go to Mr O W Theaker, in his role as B XV coach, Mr D G Scarbrough for supporting the squad at RPNS, the Estates team for the provision of the excellent
playing facilities we enjoy at BGS, the dedicated band of parents who support both teams and the rugby club so loyally, and of course, all the boys, too numerous to mention individually here, who work so hard and give up so much time in representing this great school. I wish them all well for the future and record my heartfelt thanks for such an enjoyable season! U13 Rugby By G Morrison – Specialist Sports Coach (Athletics & Multi-Sports) Played Won Drawn Lost Points For Points Against Points Difference 12 9 0 3 445 135 310 The first game of the season was sprung on the team early against Crossley Heath and the boys were super keen to start proceedings with a strong performance that reflected the enormous effort that was put in by all during the off season. We knew if we gave a full account of ourselves, the result would take care of itself. Two early tries from Elis J and two from Tom S settled the nerves, followed by Burhaan H crossing the whitewash for a well-earned try down the wing just before half time. Will L added another before Will B initiated the try of the game, which was passed through seven pairs of hands going the full length of the field and finished off brilliantly by Yusif Z. The team also worked hard defensively, putting in a balanced performance and a great way to start the season. On Thursday 27 September the group went to play St Olaves, York. There was some nervousness in the air as it has always proven a tough fixture in which the boys have struggled in previous
years. There was, however, a different sense of confidence after having won the first game of the season the week prior. The performance was excellent, hitting most on-field goals, but unfortunately St Olaves sneaked ahead through two late tries, one coming from their full back and one from their big prop in the last play of the game. All-round it was a superb effort by all, lessons were learnt and everyone had fun. Two days later on 29 September the team bounced back from the previous weeks’ defeat to dominate the score line against Hymers. A great result with the five tries going to Will B, three from Yusif Z, two from Thom S one from William L and a penalty try influenced by Burhan. All round it was another great performance and some great transfer of skills developed during the training week. On Monday 8 October, the U13s A travelled to Birkdale. Two early well-worked tries from Burhan H and a try from William L opened a well-earned lead, however Birkdale clawed two back to close the gap. With some excellent scrummaging from the forwards throughout the game and some silky handling from the backs, the ball found its way to pacey Ben S on the wing for his first try of the game. Two powerful tries from Tommy S, another two from Dan G and a barnstorming effort from Fergus R, which saw him slip over in the corner following a well worked team play, put the team in a great position. A Will B solo effort and three outstanding tries from Yusuf Z after he danced around their whole team. A great result as the game finished strongly in the favour of the boys in maroon and white! One key match took place on 13 October 2018 against The Grammar School at Leeds. Two great teams played each other on a cold, wet and miserable morning. Sadly, some boys were away on a school trip which left us struggling to match a well-drilled side and we came out on the losing side by 35 - 15, to the better side on the day. The fight and resolve the boys showed that day was excellent, they never gave up. GSAL crossed the line twice very quickly before Will B responded with one of his own. The forwards won the scrum battle throughout the game, which was really positive, but GSAL scored next, with their impressive number eight breaking the line and tumbling over despite the best efforts of the scrambling defence chasing back hard. Tom S then scored the try of the game. Once again, the forwards got some go-forward for the team ball and Tom powered through the defence and over the line. With the score line at 3 - 2, BGS were back in the game, however GSAL upped the pace and the next three tries came from the opposition who were in rampant form, particularly down the wings. The spirit of the BGS boys didn’t wane however and Elis J finished off a very well worked passing move. Everyone was proud of their efforts in producing a competitive performance against strong opposition. On Saturday 3 November, the U13s played at home against Pocklington Grammar who were coming to BGS having won by a 50-point margin the week before. The team started strongly scoring quick tries from Will L and Beau M who was playing his first match for the school. The team didn't stop there though as we scored two more tries from Yusif Z taking us to the half time break leading 20 - 0. As the second half began, Beau M scored another brilliant try as he danced around the defenders to score from halfway. The final score finished 55 - 0 in our favour. It was another great team performance as we continue to develop and grow. On Saturday 9 October BGS U13A played away at Giggleswick School. We had just come off the back of a convincing victory against Pocklington, so our confidence was high. The team took a few minutes to get the feel of the match and our opposition, but then the tries started to come thick and fast. First Yusuf Z got the scoring going by finishing nicely in the corner. Next came tries from Burhan H, Beau M, and another one for Yusuf. Some excellent scrummaging (an area which we have been so strong in this year) and some quick thinking from William L led to a try
for himself. At half time we set ourselves the goal of keeping the opposition down to zero and to experiment in certain features. A brilliant Will B cross field kick set up another from Yusuf for him to grab his hat trick. We achieved all the aims we had set ourselves in a comprehensive 50-0 victory with flair and class. Our last game of the year was against Hymers College and we wanted to impress and finish with a great team performance. Tom S stared in the first half with a hat trick of tries. One of them being the try of the day with great lead up work from Luca M and Will L. Beau M also chipped in with two well worked tries of his own. This gave us a nice lead at half time. The second half started well with Will B dancing through the defence to score a brilliant solo try. Dan G scored a second half hat trick of his own with other tries coming to Oliver T, Fergus R and Yusif Z. It had been a very successful and enjoyable season and we couldn’t wait to push on in the sevens the following term. The season ended on a fantastic mini overnight tour to the Elms School in Malvern, where the boys experienced a slightly different way of schooling with no handheld devices (including mobile phones), pig boarding, equine activities, and overnight boarding. They also played four matches against Elms and another local school. Three players were selected into the ERP program. Beau M, Fergus R and George W, which was a well-deserved credit for their fantastic season. U12 Rugby By O Rogers, Director of Sport
The U12 rugby team started the season with a mix of abilities and experiences around the game of rugby. It was challenging at times, however every student stepped up to the plate to make their mark on the squad. The development across the season has been fantastic and this was shown in their understanding and application of skills during the fixtures. The team worked hard on developing the basics, through the principles of the game in order to build solid foundations to move forward. Tough fixtures at the beginning of the season meant that the teams were put under extreme pressure. Fighting for the ball at every opportunity become the norm. Tackle techniques improved along the way with handling skills to help the game flow. Good performances against Pocklington, Giggleswick and Ashville gave the group a lot of confidence to help the students persevere in other games. Against GSAL the boys put in an extremely brave and determined first half performance. Scoring first and only allowing them to score twice, the defence was immense against a very strong and powerful team. Playing Hymers twice meant we could get a good yard stick of where the boys had finished the season. The first game gave us a lot of things to improve on through training and valuable game experience. The second was a different story. The boys showed composure, skills and shape with intent to showcase exacting how far they had come in a short space of time. The sevens season gave further opportunities for the boys to develop and hone their skill set under different game pressures. The squad competed in a number of competitions however the final one showed exactly how far they had come through the season. In games where they had not been able to compete through lack of experience, they were either winning or drawing the fixtures. Notably against QEGS, Hymers and an exciting win against Woodhouse Grove. I would like to thank the whole squad for their effort and enthusiasm over the season. They have stuck to their guns and developed their skills. When times were tough, they came back wanting more. There is an excellent good group of boys here that will continue to make great strides which should be exciting for the future. I would especially like to thank Arul M for captaining the side and leading by example in the contact area. Arul M picked up the Players’ Player award voted by his peers. Alex W and Alfie S were awarded the Coaches’ Award for the season. Lucas A and Saman SMF were awarded the Most Improved Award. We finished the season with a trip to Elms School for the weekend. The boys played a couple of round robin games against local schools. Elms School is very different to BGS. I am sure the boys will never forget the pig boarding!
Senior School 01274 542492 snr@bradfordgrammar.com bradfordgrammar.com @bradfordgrammar
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