Y8 and Y9 Boys Rugby @ ISCA 7’s
Congratulations to both the respective Y8 and Y9 rugby squads who participated in the second annual ISCA College Rugby 7s event this week. Clyst Vale took two strong squads to the event, with the much appreciated assistance of parents of Oliver and Buddy helping with transport in addition to the minibus.
The Year 8 squad, who have (still) yet to lose a rugby game for Clyst Vale set out their aim to win the competition from the off, with strong wins in the group stage against St James School (5 tries to 1), ISCA (6-0), St Peters (4-1) and Stoke Damerel (4-1). These games were sandwiched with a very intense game versus Okehampton College which ended in a 1-1 draw after they scored a well-deserved equalising score at the death.
Scorers were shared between free scoring and powerful runner, Joe Gibson at Centre, jinking outside back, Harry Crispin, outstanding tackler of the day, Oliver Payne, big second rows, Jack David and Max Hookway, sniping Captain and scrum half, Sonny Mackie, big winger Harry Pennicard, hooker Leo Hoare and outside half, Cian Doyle.
As Clyst Vale topped the group, we had a deserved bye to the final, where we once again played Okehampton College and this time made the job much more simpler, playing with the wind and winning the game 3-0 and winning the overall tournament.
Crucial scores were made by Charlie Norman (x2), the first an outstanding individual grubber, chase and grounding with the final try notched by who other than Joe Gibson.
Henry Taylor in the backline continued to provide a great link to both forwards and backs, Will Watkins used his great handling skills to gather some high kicks from the opposition and Ruben Tuley made several ankle low tackles which stopped the opposition in very dangerous areas.
A big thank you must go to Mr Payne for assisting Mr Pearce throughout the day.
The Year 9 lads eventually bowed out of the tournament at the Quarter Final stage, losing by 4 tries to 1 versus St Peters. They had a tough start to the day, losing 3-1 to Stoke Damerel but recovered well to beat Okehampton College 3-2 and Marine Academy 5-2. Free scoring Zak Brown scored 4 tries in one game in the latter of the games, with skipper Connor Kendall providing a handful of scores as well as ever positive leadership. Will Askew scored some nice breakaway tires and arching runs, with Thomas Aggett being powerful within the forwards. Joe Card linked forwards and backs well, with Rudey Smith’s tackling a real standout throughout the day. Aiden Smith showed great pace on the wing with Buddy Brown making several key passes and assists to tries. Josh Stevens was a strong powerful runner and key strike runner for us with Noah Powell making several key tackles and lovely gliding runs in attack.
Big thanks must go to Y12 student, Josh Jones, who helped run the Year 9 side with Mr Pearce, imparting his outstanding knowledge to the boys and was ultra positive throughout.
All students were a credit to Clyst Vale throughout the day. Congratulations to both squads.
Mr Pearce
