1st XV v Winchester House (away) 10 - 53

Playing 1st XV rugby is a big step up from any rugby that players have played before. Starting the season with a very tough fixture is hard but it focuses the mind and shows clearly what is required. In the first half of this match we found it very difficult to get hold of the ball and retain it. We also did not put enough pressure in defence resulting in the very quick and elusive opposition winger running in a number of tries.
After the break we got hold of the ball and exerted far more pressure resulting in two well worked tries of our own by Alistair and Alex.
The second half showed the level of play that we are capable of and turned a very unpleasant experience into a very valuable one.
It is never nice to be well beaten but I am sure that our game will have developed significantly as a result.

2nd XV v Winchester House

3rd XV v Winchester House 5 - 49

Colts A v Winchester House (Away) Lost 0 -35
Colts A began well against Winchester House and competed for the ball in all phases of the game. Gradually the speed and better organisation of our opponents produced five converted tries. Our best moment of the game came in the last minute when a surging passing movement gained 20 metres and stretched the opposition for the first time. More of the latter will be required for our next game on Wednesday versus Dean Close.

Colts B v Winchester House 0-38

The grass is green, the sky is blue, the temprature is rising; It must be time for cricket again, er.... no hang on, rugby!!?. In yet more "Indian Summer" type conditions, the Colts B faced up to their first great challenge of the season. The sweltering heat certainly did not help, but we were roundly beaten by a very well drilled side. It was a good test of our character and the boys never gave up. There was some impressive rucking at times from Jack, Toby and Nick, and the brave captain Aidan lead from the front continually, linking well with Ed on the wing. A little more cohesion, and this team I feel are going to develop very well over the season.

Colts C v Winchester House

'Colts C crushed in opening game of the season'

On a beautiful September afternoon the Colts C took on the might of Winchester House. After only a few practices the Colts were very much thrown into the deep end. Tries soon came at frequent intervals as Winchester House showed a good all-round game: passing, rucking and strong scrummaging. However, to their credit, Colts C kept playing and never gave up. Rory tackled magnificently as did Oliver. Callum used his strenght to great effect and Max, the captain, kept the side going forward. James.G was busy and drove forward with determination. The new boys in the team got involved and learnt much about positioning. However, we lacked any pattern and thus we left acres of room for our visitors to run in tries.
It's still early in the season and we will improve. There is much enthusiasm and determination all we need now is to improve our unit skills.