There has been much success on the Rugby field this week, including 1st XV and 3rd XV victories over Harrow, an U15A cup win over Richard Challoner, and a clean sweep against CLFS for the U13 and U12 boys. See the match reports below.
1st XV vs Harrow
WON 17-7
The 1st XV finished a busy week and half-term of rugby with a solid performance against Harrow, winning 17-7.
In torrid conditions, both teams made a plethora of fundamental errors, with the scrum count being higher than points for the first half. Epsom opened up the scoring after defensive pressure resulted in a penalty and Tom Lynagh (F) converting to make it 3-0. In the last few minutes of the half, Harrow went over with brute force to make it 3-7.
The second half saw Epsom attempt to exert more control over the game, but were mixed in their execution. With multiple chances going begging from handling errors, Epsom continued to dig themselves a bigger hole to climb out of.
However, phases and patterns of play began to click together, and Lynagh went over for a try, converting it himself. At 10-7, with the game still in the balance and five minutes to go, Bryn Bradley (H) broke out from just outside his own 22, and after multiple offloads, James Webster (Fa) went over for the try, Lynagh converting to make it 17-7.
A good end to a challenging week of rugby, with plenty to work on going into Blundell’s in the Champions Trophy and Brighton College after half term.
Tries: Lynagh (F), Webster (Fa)
Players of the Match: Lewis Brown (P) – for his play from both blindside flanker and tighthead prop.
3rd XV vs Harrow
WON 12-0
A good win in difficult conditions. Epsom scored early on and then controlled the game. Both sides were very physical and evenly matched but Epsom won the key battles. Adding another score late in the first half put Epsom in a great position for the second half. Playing up the hill blunted the attack and left the game very balanced, but incredibly error-strewn. Epsom held their nerve to see the game through.
Tries: Celebidachi (F), Reynolds (G)
Player of the Match: Alex Nicol (Fa)
U15A vs Richard Challoner
WON 31-0
The JCAs progressed through the second round of the NatWest Cup competition, beating a tough Richard Challoner XV 31-0 away from home. The match was closely fought throughout, but Epsom took their chances well, scoring five well-worked tries. A pleasing team performance overall, but with much to work on as the team moves forward into the third round of the competition.
Tries: Schmid (Fa) x2, Curham (Rn), Esson (F), Springett (Fa)
U13A vs CLFS
WON 40-15
Epsom showed some real quality in attack against a Freemen’s side that did not get going until the second half. Playing an open attacking brand of rugby, the U13As showed they could move the ball around with some slick passing alongside a measured offloading game.
The second half brought a different challenge, and one that brought out a completely different Freemen’s side. Epsom were made to defend for long periods and never really got their attacking game going.
Tries: Lent (Wa) x2, Warfield (GH) x2, Simmons (Hu), Patel (Hu), Kuaho (GH), New (Wa)
Player of the Match: Ben Berry (GH) – for an all-round performance
U12A vs CLFS
WON 55-0
The U12As finished the first half of term with a resounding performance against local rivals City of London Freemen’s.
In damp conditions, Epsom continued to show attacking intent throughout the game, emphasising an offload game and persistence to attack from deep within their own half, which makes them dangerous against any opposition.
With many players trying new positions throughout the game, it was very impressive to watch how seamlessly players fitted in and continued to move the ball into space well, alongside closing down opposition space. A good half-term of rugby that has gone very quickly, with four tough fixtures after half term to come.
Tries: Walker-Smith (Hu) x4, Roberts (Hu) x2, Springate (GH), Carty (Je), Gledstone (GH), Robinson (Je), Leutert (GH)
Player of the Match: Charlie Walker-Smith (Hu) – for not only taking his tries well but putting many of his teammates into space, as well as strong defensive work throughout the game.
