Alleyne’s High School’s sixth form rugby team won the Staffordshire County Plate U18s trophy in a hard-fought encounter against a dogged and determined side, Aldersley High School from Wolverhampton.
Alleyne’s dominated the game from the outset, forcing their opponents onto the back foot with a very early try from Pip Houghton, who stormed over the line despite the gallant efforts of the Aldersley defence. The conversion by Nick Bigham, added two further points to make it 7 nil.
The game continued in a similar vain for the rest of the half, Alleyne’s, once again pressing the play but they didn’t add to their tally until just before the half time whistle. Iain West extended his long arms, and touched the ball down whilst being tackled to the ground close to the try line. The try was converted again by Nick Bigham to make the half time score 14 nil.
The half time team talk by Mr Burchell and Mr Clark was made a little easier due to the late second try, but led to the rallying call that the, ‘job wasn’t done yet!’
This was indeed good advice as Aldersley started the second half much the better, questioning the Alleyne’s line for the first time in the match. However the defence stood firm and refused to buckle, the discipline and tackling being exemplary.
Alleyne’s gradually regained the upper hand, playing some fine flowing rugby, with tremendous tackling, which led to 3 further tries from Nick Bigham (2) and Greg Finlow, leaving the final score at 33-0.
The game was played in good spirit with both teams showing well deserved respect for each other at the end of the game and the trophy was gratefully received by team captain Josh Handley.
Huge congratulations to the team!
