Wilmslow High School 13 – 15 Kings School Worcester
The Twickenham dream is over for Wilmslow High School and whilst bitterly disappointed it was not due to any lack of effort, commitment or preparation.
The team had been meticulously primed by Hancock and Bebbington, the pitch was in perfect condition, it just wasn't to be. Kings School Worcester are a superbly organised and resilient outfit, with some special players. It is no mean achievement to reach the last eight in a countrywide completion where nearly 900 schools started out. Wilmslow High School and the town can be immensely proud; especially in the way the team took defeat and congratulated their visitors and victors.
The last action in this game was a missed penalty kick, never an easy chance but with everything riding on it almost impossible. The statisticians would look at the possession and chances and say it shouldn't have been needed. The High School had 75% of the ball, they had the ball held up three times when over the line, both wingers were stopped a yard short by great tackles. This however does the Kings School a disservice, their defence, and their ability to disrupt the High School forwards was exemplary. Wilmslow for the first time in this competition were committing penalties, and forcing plays as Kings kept repelling the advance.
In the opening exchanges penalties were swopped. Never out of it, the Kings support were a little unnerved five minutes in, when the home side backs breezed through to score, full back Broster picking up a sumptuous pass from James to finish in the corner. Their trepidation would have increased as those same backs on two occasions created openings to be stopped a yard short. But stop the onslaught they did, and a well worked move off a wheeled scrum gave a pacy winger the opening required.
Into the second half and after sustained pressure Hubbard found a gap out wide, the home fans were ecstatic but the conversion missed. Kings hit back immediately, coerced a series of unforced errors and a penalty that they kicked to ten yards out. With minutes left, it seemed inevitable they would score. This time it was a well worked move off the back of a lineout, crucially the conversion was made and Kings took a lead and the win.
There is still plenty to play for this season, including retaining the Cheshire Cup, and some highly prestigious Sevens tournaments. However, on behalf of all the parents can I thank the Head Mrs Bremner, her staff and the boys for their total commitment and endeavours over the past, which for some is seven years. You are all an absolute credit, to the School and the Community.
This is a member post by Mike Harding.
