Wilmslow High School progressed to the final of the Daily Mail Under 15 Competition following a nail biting semi final win over QEGS Wakefield. Wilmslow now move on to play Wellington College at Twickenham on 31st of March in what I’m sure will be a keenly contested game between two teams who look to play a dynamic running style of rugby.
The semi final played at the neutral venue of Broadstreet Rugby Club, Coventry, in front of a vocal horde of Wilmslow supporters was scoreless at half time. Wilmslow shaded the half in terms of territory and possession but were unable to get over the whitewash.
A neat half break from Callum Westaway put Sam Broster into space midway through the first half and what looked like a clear scoring opportunity was only prevented by some last gasp Wakefield cover defence. In another try scoring situation, Lewis Bundy Davies was tackled just short when a try looked the likely outcome of some swift backline handing in the Wakefield 22 metre area.
Some improved forward play in the second half saw Wilmslow get their phase play game going and in a repeat of the first half, dominated territorially. The increasing pressure on the Wakefield defence finally told as some concerted forward drives saw number 8, Oskar Hirsky Douglas go over for the first Wilmslow try. A second Wilmslow try followed shortly after as right wing, Nathan Budd put pressure on a Wakefield defender, charging down his kick, regathering the ball and scampering around under the posts for a try converted by scrum half Will Batterbury.
At 12 – 0 down Wakefield attempted to put more width on their game, with both wingers and full back looking dangerous, but the Wilmslow defence, as it had been in previous rounds, was outstanding in its organisation and commitment. A third Wilmslow try followed with Oskar Hirsky Douglas grabbing his second of the game. With time ticking down and a win virtually assured, all seven of the Wilmslow substitutes were introduced, eager to put some pressure on the 15 who had started the game for a place at Twickenham.
Some sustained pressure late in the game saw Wakefield score a converted try, awarded following a lengthy discussion between referee and linesman. As the conversion sailed through the posts to bring the score to 19 points to 7 the referee blew his final whistle prompting mass hysteria from the Wilmslow players and supporters.
Wilmslow Scorers: Oskar Hirsky Douglas - Try, Nathan Budd – Try, Will Batterbury – Conversion, Oskar Hirsky Douglas – Try, Will Batterbury - Conversion.
Match report by U15 rugby coach Huw Williams.
