Shiplake College U12 35 Dolphin School U12 26

After advice from a plethora of coaches, including members of the College’s 1st XV squad, Shiplake’s U12 rugby team took to the pitch for the first game of rugby to take place for this age group in the College’s history.

Dolphin made a very strong start in this 12-a-side game. They were encouraged by an early try and their centres were eager to run at the heart of the Shiplake defence. Dolphin scored a well-worked early try and continued to apply strong pressure. Shiplake tackled well but Dolphin’s experience in the loose told as they regained possession.

Shiplake’s first concerted attack produced a five metre scrum with quick-ball leading to the first historic try. The game was played in three fifteen minute thirds, enabling the coaches to give every boy in the large squads some match-time

The two coaching breaks produced rewards for Shiplake as their forwards went from strength to strength. Backs ran straighter lines and there was some improvement in the home team’s rucking as their share of territory and possession improved.

Few players can say that they played their first game under the gaze of an international referee. Gregg Davies, Shiplake’s Headmaster and referee for the day, had a challenging match with enthusiastic boys entering rucks and mauls from some unorthodox angles.

Steadily Shiplake exerted their influence to win 35 – 26 after a steep learning curve. The squad now look forward to a series of fixtures and tournaments as their first season of rugby progresses.

Tries were scored by Ellis (3), Game, Dale and Baker. Ellis converted 5 kicks from 6 attempts!