WRFC hosted a fantastic match between Francis Combe and St Michaels on Saturday 5th May. A close fought encounter between the two schools saw Francis Combe wining by 17 points to 14.
The conclusion to a successful, seven week, community Rugby initiative run by Hertfordshire’s Community Rugby coach Jamie Traxon in conjunction with the RFU & Saracens and Hosted Watford Rugby Club, came down to a nail biting finish at Radlett Road on Saturday, when Francis Combe School managed to hold on to a slender lead and triumph in the inaugural Compasses Cup for Schools 17-14 over St. Michaels.
The Hertfordshire RFU aims to create firm links with local new and emerging school that do not have a history of playing competitive rugby. This provides an avenue for those players, who may, otherwise, not experience rugby at a club level.
Local MP Claire Ward watched a spirited, well natured game between the two Garston Schools. St. Michaels took the early made their intentions clear by threatening the Francis Combe try line early on with good headway made by forwards Rob James, PJ Louis-Harriott and Luis Cain. Harry Mackie came closest to crossing the line however some good defensive work and some excellent last ditch tackling from Francis Combe denied St. Michaels an early lead.
The break came towards the end of the first half when some good footwork and strong running by Sean Pritchard opened up some space on the outside for, Francis Come man of the match, Steven Smith to break and show the St. Michaels defence a clean pair of heel to open up the scoring with Ben Crossley converting (7-0).
Francis Combe went into halftime leading 12-0 after Steven Smith had struck again following good all round team play, led by Captain Max Bennett. The Forwards gained possession in midfield and allowed speedy winger Steven Smith to break through a surprised St. Michaels Defence to touch down. (12-0)
The Second half started better for St. Michaels after a constructive half time team talk and inspirational address by the St Michaels captain. St Michaels man of the match Luis Cain started the comeback after a good clearance kick by Andrew Walsh released winger Tom Coleman to chase down his opposite number and supported by Adam Mitchell secured an attacking scrum on the Francis Combe 22. The St. Michaels pack won good clean ball to allow scrum half Harry James to feed a rampaging Cain who, despite the attention of three defenders trying to bring him down, drove through a resilient Francis Combe defence, with the support of Anastasi Thompson, to ground the ball over the line.
Francis Combe responded in a similar fashion after a good St Michaels clearance was picked up by Andrew Pooley and the Francis Combe replacement left wing went on a mazy run to gain good yards for Francis Combe, following the breakdown Francis Combe recovered the ball to allow Andrew Pooley again to complete his cameo role by scoring what turned out to be the decisive try when he crossed under the posts. (17-7)
St. Michaels strengthened their resolve to come straight back into the game and with time ticking away St Michaels went into the last 10 minutes the stronger team. Once again scrum half Harry James orchestrated proceedings when he fed PJ Louis-Harriott who made good ground to allow Luis Cain to score and allow Andrew Walsh to convert what became the final score of the game (17-14)
Realising that the referee had indicated that there was one more play left in the game, St Michaels could have snatched victory in the final few seconds, with time ticking away, Harry James found Tom Coleman on the wing only for the winger to be chased down and tacked into touch with the try line in sight. Final score Francis Combe 17 St Michaels 14
Francis Combe Squard:- Chris Routley, Ben Wright, Max Bennett (capt), Huw Cameron, Jake Beesley, Jacob Hawkins, Andrew Pooley, Sean Pritchard, Steven Smith, Jack Burkoke, John Smith, Tom Bass, Ryan Watson, Charlie Somango, Ben Crossley.
Hertfordshire’s RFU Saracens community Rugby coach Jamie Traxon said “It was a fantastic day and an absolute joy to see two well matched, enthusiastic teams enjoying the game, Rugby is inclusive of all abilities and all the players benefited from today because there was something for everyone”
Any secondary schools wishing to start a Rugby program or develop Rugby as a team sport should contact Jamie on 07738 029261 or Email on:
