The Lancashire Cup Finals
The U14s
U14s with the Lancashire Cup
U15s
U16s
Sunday 25th March 2012 at Southport Rugby Club
In what can only be described as a fabulous sporting day for Stonyhurst, the College U14, U15 and U16 rugby teams plus the Stonyhurst St Mary's Hall U13 team battled out the County Rugby Finals at Southport. The coaches of each team summarize the matches:
U14 Stonyhurst 15 vs 8 Lancaster RGS
Facing the reigning champions known for their strength and physicality our game plan was to be resilient in defence, tackle ourselves to a standstill and move the ball wide wherever possible. On reflection this was probably exactly what happened and the resolve and fitness of this group confirmed their victory with, most fittingly, a full length try for the last play of the game.
Mr G.Thomas
U15 Stonyhurst 36 vs 10 Lancaster RGS
Right from the off Stonyhurst meant business. Powerful runs from Keunan, Scott and Maduka saw the team leading 14-0 in as many minutes but lapses in concentration kept allowing the dangerous Lancaster team back in the game. Both teams struggled to achieve the free flowing game they were aiming for until the advantage seemed to swing towards Lancaster. However Stonyhurst dug deep and held a strong defensive line. The final quarter saw Stonyhurst take full control and as the opposition tired the ‘Green and Whites’ ran riot off-loading and scoring tries through McHugh, Metcalf, Maduka and Keunan. A final score of 36-10 saw Stonyhurst as well deserved winners.
Mr S.McGinnis
U16 Stonyhurst 7 vs 23 Merchant Taylors
The Stonyhurst U16s came off second best to a large and powerful Merchant Taylors in the County Cup final. In only their third game of 2012, Stonyhurst showed signs of rustiness, not helped by the loss of three players from Wednesday's Sevens tournament. Early exchanges were physical and no quarter was asked or given, before Merchants took an early lead through a well-worked score down the right wing. A backline handling error allowed Merchants to double their lead, before Stonyhurst started to gain a foothold in the game. A well-worked lineout enabled half back Tom Baker to scamper under the posts to reduce the arrears to 7-13, captain Tom Morgan converting. A further Merchants' penalty stretched their lead and in the dying moments, with Stonyhurst desperately seeking a breakthrough, Merchants pounced on a loose ball to take the game and the County Cup.
Mr H.Kaaber
From Stonyhurst's perspective this was a real celebration of the effort, commitment and talent demonstrated by a large number of Stonyhurst pupils and their coaches. Acknowledgement and thanks must go to all concerned including the parents and spectators who came along to support the teams not just at the finals day but also throughout the season. I hope you have enjoyed the journey as much as your sons so obviously have done.
Mr S.Charles
Director of Sport