Box Hill Rugby Reports – March 2023

U12 – Mr Counsell

The U12 rugby team have had an excellent first season. Many in the squad were newly introduced to rugby this year, and have now developed a sincere interest in the game, that will hopefully continue to flourish throughout their time at school.

The team have an excellent instinct for keeping the ball alive, and have been able to score some excellent tries through great performances from many players throughout the season. Robert M, Josh E, Luke T and Arthur B emerged early in the season as key players. Harry M and Charlie M also contributed fantastically throughout. However, the whole team have shown distinct contributions throughout the season at various points.

The team started their season with a five game unbeaten streak against St Eds, Parkside, Thomas’s, More House and Duke of Kent. A superb start that has rarely been seen at U12 level at Box Hill. Following this, the team found themselves struggling with injuries, which disrupted their flow and resulted in a disjointed end, which has been regrettable. However, the attitude has remained extremely positive and I am very excited to see what this team has instore for us in future years.

Well done on a fantastic season and rest up well!

U13 – Mr Stone

The U13 rugby team have built well on their results from last year. The focus of training has developed onto keeping the ball alive, receiving the ball early and hard work on the pitch. They have responded well to this training and have been able to play free flowing rugby, with excellent handling being showcased each week. The team started the season strongly with three wins against Parkside, Duke of Kent and Thomas’s Clapham. They then backed these results up with a strong showing at the Belmont 7s tournament. Ethan M and Rishan G have demonstrated some excellent running skills and have been consistent try scorers throughout the season. Sam G has also been a break out player, showing a good step and acceleration to beat opponents.

The team came in for a tougher second half to the season and found themselves decimated with injuries. Despite this, the attitude remained positive and the pupils finished the season with the school’s first appearance at Rosslyn 7s. I hope they are looking forward to this next season and rest up well!

U14 – Mr Todd

The U14 squad have had a successful season this year, taking part in some challenging fixtures against well-established opposition. Most notably has been their continued contribution to the 7s game, with some excellent individual and team play from all players in the squad. Perhaps most pleasing to see in the squad is the strength in depth, with the likes of Youngii K and Huayuin H, Chris C and James D playing crucial roles for the squad across the whole season. Skill and enjoyment levels were high throughout the season, ultimately ending in a series of successful results. Well done to all, I hope you are all looking forward to U15 Rugby!

U15 – Mr Cook

This group of U15 rugby players have gone from strength to strength, as a group this year. For some of them it was their very first time on a Rugby pitch. With a strong drive for improvement and success they have continued to work hard through frozen pitches and torrential rain to not only achieve success on the scoreboard in many of their fixtures, but to inspire one another to become better, week in week out. This is a special group and they have a lot to offer the school as they transition into the senior programme next year.

1st XV – Mr Anderson

The 1st XV Rugby team started the term as part of a new rugby system and culture at school led by Mr Todd. A big emphasis was placed on being in a Rugby community from the youngest in Year 7 to the oldest in Year 13. This saw shared training sessions with teams and coaches rotating as well as post -match and post-training teas involving all the age categories. A big emphasis was placed on talking about Rugby and sharing ideas across the school Rugby community and it has already made a big difference as we move ahead to look at next season. It was great to see our Surrey under 18 player and captain Harrison Mumar chatting to Year 7-9 players after matches.

Our season started with training for several weeks due to Year 11 and 6th Form mock exams which delayed our start to the season. That said, Harrison M, Will H, Ollie J and Tom L stepped forward to lead through the coming weeks. In their first match they played a ‘mature’ St Andrew’s side who were just a little bit too strong and quick for our players – they went down heroically with Mumar, Mills and Nazmjoo standing up to our Leatherhead opponents. We moved on to our next match against Ibstock Place, Roehampton and although the boy put up a spirited effort we were soundly beaten 61-10. Sporting our new 1st XV Rugby kits, we looked forward to four more fixtures this term only to find them cancelled by the opposition teams – they must have been too scared to face us! It has been a pleasure to work with the 1st XV this season under the leadership of Mr Todd and we look forward to welcoming a very strong Year 10 side into the senior ranks next season.