Senior rugby team progresses in Nat West Cup

Senior Rugby Team

Wilmslow High School First XV's fine start to the Nat West National U18 Cup continued with an away win over the highly fancied Kings Macclesfield.

Faced with two tricky away ties against strong opposition in rounds 3 and 4, Wilmslow knew they were under pressure from the start of this year's competition. The school's fine performances in this tournament in previous years ensured that they entered the competition in Round 3, but it was a stern test that awaited them at St Ambrose College. The 20 points to 10 win at St Ambrose was all the more impressive given that a number of first team regulars were unavailable due to a Biology Field Trip.

The Wilmslow Kings Macclesfield fixture has been keenly contested in recent seasons and this latest instalment followed the script. Played in front of a sizeable crowd, Wilmslow started strongly, turning over possession in the Kings Macclesfield half, retaining possession and going through a number of phases. Before Year 11 wing, Broghan Wilson scored the opening try, converted by James Graham, to give Wilmslow a 7 – 0 lead.

Wilmslow deprived the opposition of possession for long periods of time throughout the match, but whenever they got the ball, the Kings backs looked extremely dangerous, particularly when counter attacking. Further Wilmslow tries came from the outstanding captain and hooker Christian Taylor who led from the front throughout, second row Jake Stewart and prop Simon Metcalfe.

With 18 minutes remaining and the score at 24 – 12, Wilmslow appeared to be cruising, but some sustained possession saw them score two outstanding tries, the second coming in the last 8 minutes of the game. However, Wilmslow were not to be denied and a real show of character and grit saw the Wilmslow side dominate possession. The Wilmslow attacks were relentless and the team were rewarded with a try from one of their big ball carriers, number 8 Sam Haley, to regain their lead and hold out for a 29 – 26 win.

Wilmslow will now meet Ermysted's Grammar School at home in Round 5.

Report by Huw Williams.

Tags:
Rugby, Wilmslow High School
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement