BOYS’ SPORTS REPORTS 09/11/15

RUGBY

Wednesday 11th November 
1st XV v Bedford (H) Lost 27 – 24 (National Semi Final)
Sedbergh entertained an unbeaten Bedford side in a much anticipated and highly exciting semi-final of the Champions Trophy.  In wet conditions Bedford opened the scoring with a penalty from close range.

Sedbergh then hit back immediately with a brilliant try from Ali Crossdale after a good break from Hayden Thompson Green. Bedford followed this with a try of their own after a poor Sedbergh kick chase resulted in an excellent counter attacking score for the visitors.

In the last play of the half Crossdale again showed his class when he broke from a scrum to release Will Lewin in the corner to lead 14-8 at the half. The second half proved a very entertaining affair with both teams trading scores.

Bedford were the first side to cross the whitewash when they intercepted a pass to retake the lead immediately after the break. Sedbergh then sprang into life with some quite superb play in a brilliant 20 minute period. Irons and Crossdale both scored to give Sedbergh a 9 point lead.

With 15 minutes to go Sedbergh’s performance dropped in a heartbreaking period of play which saw them make some uncharacteristic mistakes and poor decision making.

Bedford capitalised on this scoring two tries to snatch the victory from the jaws of defeat. A gutting loss for Sedbergh as they knew they had opportunities to finish the match and progress to the final.

However, this is also a great learning curve which will no doubt help them as they enter the toughest and most mentally demanding period of the season.
Tries: Crossdale 2, Lewin, Irons
Cons: Crossdale 2
SM

C2 v Ermysteds (H) Lost 39-10
In testing conditions this C2 side dug in and produced a solid first half performance against physical opponents. Although the weather was a factor, the boys tried to play enterprising rugby using the width on Lupton pitch. Some missed tackles in crucial areas led to opposition tries at critical times in the game.

This was deflating for the team however they continued to battle back with all of the bench coming on to make an impact. At 20-10 down there was hope amongst the group however, a couple of runaway tries from athletic opposition players put the game beyond doubt. A good test once again for this young side. 
JSA

Saturday 14th November
1st XV v Kirkham (A) Lost 27-0
In wet conditions away at Kirkham Sedbergh unfortunately put in their worst performance of the season so far losing 27-0. Ill-discipline and continuous mistakes kept handing Kirkham chances which they took with open arms.  

Two tries from close range and an intercept try under the Sedbergh posts gave the home team a 22-0 lead at the break. A further try in the second half sealed victory for Kirkham as they piled on the pressure with huge spells of possession and territory. 
A disappointing day from a Sedbergh side who were clearly second best on this occasion..
SM

2nd XV v Kirkham (A) Lost 13-0

B1 v Kirkham (H) Won 48-7
Sedbergh used the width of Buskholme to good effect despite the slippery weather conditions to convincingly beat a determined Kirkham outfit. Patchett was again immense in the contact area, the Kirkham attack was regularly stopped in its tracks by the back row of Hill, Hill and Russell aided by Twiddle at hooker and in the back division Fung and Panday carried hard whilst Magee looked dangerous whenever he touched the ball. Another good win. 
CJS

B2 v Kirkham (H) Won 48-0
B2 won 48- 0, playing their best rugby of the term in the worst conditions! (25 Sedbergh players got on the field of play this match).
HRD

C1 v Kirkham (H) Won 53-0
C1 notched up another straightforward victory against a rather limited Kirkham side. Several squad players were given the opportunity of game time for C1 and acquitted themselves well – this is encouraging as thoughts begin to turn to the assembling of a tour squad.

Some more established players were tried in different positions, which also yielded positive results. This is an exciting team who are ready for the tougher games which lie ahead.
JDL

GOLF

Monday 9th November 
1st Team v Hymers College (A) Lost (National Cup 2nd Round)
Hymers proved too good in three very competitive matches.