Year 8 Rugby, Unity College vs Corpus Christie
The year 8 rugby team travelled away to Preston for the return fixture against Corpus Christie on Tuesday 25th January. Taking a weakened side after the last result between the two sides (33 - 0 to Unity College) we were expecting a more difficult fixture.
Corpus fielded many of the same players and had obviously put in some hard work on the training pitch as 5 minutes into the game they were 5 - 0 up after Unity started slowly and allowed them time and space to play the ball. As Mr. Williams was also refereeing the fixture the team had difficulties with positioning and like the year 9's last week were often out of position at vital times.
After being berated when Mr. Williams was not blowing the whistle Unity showed some good handling skills in the backs with Captain J. Farrow, scrum half C. White, inspired fly half C. Sykes and the imposing O. Carrol linking up passes to improve the scoreline 5 - 10 in Unitys' favour. Strong running from S. Davies, M. Henderson and D. Edwards contributed to gaining much of the ground to score the points.
The second half saw some changes for Unity with J. Hill moving into the backs, which resulted in him coming close (about 1/2 an inch) to scoring twice. However from this Corpus were able to counter attack with their fastest player running the length of the pitch twice. Only C. Sykes prevented him scoring on the first occasion with a try saving tackle, however they did manage to level the score on the second such occasion.
Unity then piled on the pressure, finishing with a brace of tries that gave the scoreline a more respectable tint at 10 - 20. After the fixture several teachers from Corpus complimented the team on their encouraging attitude towards their players and behaviour around the school.
Mr. Lowden the Rugby development officer also commented on several players and how they had improved and has given Mr. Williams some leaflets for a rugby training camp which takes place at half term. See Mr. Williams for further details (Year 7 and 8 only). Once again a reminder for those interested, Burnley Rugby Club are training on our astroturf on Wednesdays at 6 - 7.30pm, we already have several players who are training and playing for the town team.
Our next fixture will take place on the 15th February at home to Corpus Christie. This time the year 7 squad will be displaying some dazzling skills so all are welcome to watch.