Sports Results

Rugby - Year 7 v Bishop Heber - Lost 25 - 12

On a crisp December’s morning the unbeaten Year 7 Rugby Squad made the short trip to Bishop Heber in Malpas. 

This was to be a true test of the team’s ability and spirit as they came up against one of the best Rugby schools in the area. 
Knowing they were in for a tough morning the team warmed up in a focussed fashion and were serious about the task in hand.  Bishop Heber raced out of the blocks and caught the Abbey Gate College team napping as they scored 2 early tries.  Abbey Gate finished the half  the better team as they began to find their rhythm.  On the stroke of half term, after a period of total domination, Toby Matthews and the impressive Sam Nieto both went close with the latter appearing to have grounded the ball, only for the referee to deny them.  The half drew to a close as Pepijn De-Jong put in a bone rattling tackle to launch a Bishop Heber player in to touch. 
Abbey Gate started the second half brighter and dominated possession and territory but could not find that final pass to see them over the white wash despite probing running from Charlie Stratton and Tom White and with some impressive kick returns from full back Joe Nieto.  The forwards continued to dominate the break down and flanker Ben Hall made some impressive inroads.  Toby Matthews, Dan Meadows and Henry Kershaw continued the hard running and aggressive tackling as Abbey Gate took the initiative.  This was short lived however as Heber broke away to score 3 tries against the run of play despite some excellent work by full back Joe Nieto who very nearly halted the strong running Heber centres close to the try line. 
More Abbey Gate pressure was to follow before the final whistle and eventually Heber cracked as the boys got their reward for all their efforts.  Pepijn De-Jong crashed over in the corner and Sam Nieto burrowed over for a well deserved try.
The game was always going to be a test of character but the fighting spirit shown by the Abbey Gate College team was outstanding.  This was yet another encouraging team performance as the squad looks forward to fixtures in the New Year.
Man of the Match was Debutant Ben Hall however, every member of the team contributed magnificently to a fantastic team performance. 

Mr Rowett