'Berry' close game as Year 8's overcome Year 7 Rugby Team
A busy evening of sports saw the Year 7's take on a depleted Year 8 rugby side. With several players missing from the team due to a football fixture against Sir John Thursby (a 5 - 1 win for Unity Year 8 football team - well done gentlemen!) the rugby team pulled together and were boosted by the arrival of several new players.
The game began with the Year 7's fielding 15 players against the year 8's ten. The extra addition of some lovely pouring rain added to the enjoyment and battle commenced!
The year 8's quickly asserted themselves with Will Berry receiving the ball and storming through the Year 7 defence to touch down for the first try, 5 - 0 Year 8's. Immediately the 7's attempted to rally, however Berry capitalised on his strong running to score two more unreplied tries. 15 - 0 to the year 8's. It looked like it could be a grim game for the Year 7's.
All this was about to change, however. Both teams scrummaged fairly well and produced some good 2nd and 3rd phase ball from the rucks. A penalty for offside was awarded to the Year 7's and Macken Slater capitalised on the year 8's backs being turned to power over the line for their first score. 15 - 5.
Strong running by captain marvel, Ben Beck, Josef Whitlam, Max Cudworth, Morgan Williams and Tyler Canavan put the Year 8's under increasing pressure and it wasn't long before Macken and Morgan Williams claimed a second and third score score. 15 - 15.
Stunned, the Year 8's mounted more attacks. Excellent evasive running, by Jonathan Cobbett, gained valuable metres for the Year 8's, eventually capitalising on their possession the Year 8's scored again to make it 20-15.
However, there was still time for a couple of twists to the game. Leading by example, with support from Bobby Beswick and Lewis Taylor, Ben Beck and Morgan Williams turned the game on it's head. The year 7's scored two quick tries to go into the lead! 20 - 25!
The last say, though, was with the Year 8's. Ethan Coppock was in inspirational mood as captain and refused to allow the score to stand, leading the team by example he ploughed into the defence. Realising that they had to quickly turn the game around, his team fought back, scoring once to level and in the final few seconds it was Berry once again who blasted a hole in the defence to score his fourth, and final, try of the game. Final score 30 - 25 to the Year 8's.
Each team clapped the other off the pitch and shook hands and Mr. Williams told each team how impressed he was at a lot of the good support play and linked up passes which will be needed in the weeks to come as the Emerging Schools Tournament in Preston and the all new Burnley Schools Championships events get nearer.
Training on Tuesday, Year 7 game at home on Friday 11th October vs St. Wilfreds. The Year 8's play St. Wilfreds, away, on Tuesday 15th October.
Teams
E. Coppock (C), J. Duffy, J. Blakey, J. Cobett, J. Dutton,W. Berry, B. Slater, R. Khan, N. Varnavas, D. Marshall
B. Beck (C), M. Williams (VC), M. Cudworth, B. Beswick, J.Whitlam, D. Mahmood, M. Slater, J. Hargreaves, K. Thorne, T. Canavan, L.Taylor, J. Hargreaves, D. Latham, S Walsh