Published 6 March 2023
The Senior Rugby Team finally got their hands on the Berkshire U18 County Cup Trophy after a hard-fought 15-10 victory over a strong Piggott side, in front of a large crowd at Newbury RFC. Early on, Piggott showed their threat in broken field with some dangerous passages of play, but Bart’s scramble defence stood firm with Spencer Codling making some key tackles and Piggott could only come away from their strong start with 3 points. Bart’s quickly responded with 3 points of their own from the boot of George Shakespeare after strong carries from Charlie Lewis, Seb Burgess and Cole Whorriskey. Piggott continued to frustrate Bart’s at the breakdown, winning numerous turnovers. However, as the first half wore, on St Bart’s started to assert their dominance up front, particularly on the back of a hugely impressive scrum and strong carries through the middle. After a threatening passage down the right of the field and under a penalty advantage, George took advantage of tiring Piggott defenders to put in a pinpoint cross field kick, which Euan Avery gathered to touch down on the left edge, giving St Bart’s an 8-3 lead at half time.
Buoyed by the score, St Bart’s took full control of the second half, the front row combination of Armand Graham, Haaris Begg, Will Stearn and the returning Oli Davey continued to dominate the set piece, and St Bart’s dynamic ball carriers and defensive pressure began to wear Piggott down. The continued pressure, combined with a great territorial kicking game from George and Matis Dessiaume, finally told with Seb Burgess touching down from close range to give St Bart’s a 15-3 lead going into the final 10 minutes. After a St Bart’s player was sent to the bin, in the last minute Piggott finally managed to break loose and with some fantastic hands and interplay scored to make it a 15-10 scoreline, with St Bart’s needing to hold out for one final play to seal the trophy, which they did, forcing an error through a big hit to end the game.
Very well done to all the boys involved both on the night and throughout another successful and thoroughly enjoyable season. Particularly massive congratulations to the Year 13 students who finally win the County Cup after losing two finals previously in Year 10 and 12. The squad now looks forward to the ONA game in March, which, as always, promises to be a fantastic game and occasion.
