Unity College took part in the first rugby fixture on Thursday 11th September at Blackburn RUFC. The year 9 squad had a great turnout and were supported by some very strong and capable year 8 team members.
New year 9 captain Brody Slater led by example to inspire the team in 2 games. The first against St. Augustines where we had some good periods of play and possession. 2 years ago this fixture would have been 50 - 0 to St. Augustines after 10 minutes however after 20 minutes the strong Billington side claimed victory in a 10 - 0 win. We came close to scoring when Ben Larnach made an excellent break but was pulled down short of the try line.
The second match against St. Wilfreds saw us playing some very difficult opposition who were very large and physically intimidating. However, Unity College showed character and courage to finish the game with the score at 15 - 5, again this is another game that would have finished 50 - nil 2 years ago.
Tom Lancaster scored our only try with a good break down the right. Morgan Williams showed why he has been selected for a Lancashire development trial with some ferocious play. Rowan Greenwood (with added injured knee) took down a player 3 times his size! Will Berry provided some great tackling and runs whilst Whitlam, Westall, Beck, Edwards, Ewens, Mattocks, showed that the scrum could hold their own. In the backs Long, Dutton, Catlow, Brierly, worked tirelessley and braveley to prevent the opposition running through.
A massive improvement by our players considering also that we had some younger lads making up the side!
Next fixture in Monday 15th September at Blackburn for year 8 squad and Tuesday for the year 9 and 10 squad at Burnley rugby club on Tuesday the 16th September.
Training for boys will take place every Tuesday after school from 3.10 - 4.30pm. Burnley rugby club also train at 10am - 12pm on Sundays. See Mr. Williams for details.