The two best successes record in the school belongs to the 2nd XV which consisted, for the most part of a combined fourth and fifth form team. Their record makes rather impressive reading:

P.9  W.8  L.1    pts. F.207 A.44

The U.14s recorded six victories from twelve games played while the U.13s, at the lower end of the scale, won only two of their thirteen games. But with greater determination accompanying the ever present enthusiasm, it is hoped the situation will be reversed next season!

The U.12s with only two fixtures managed to beat Abbotsfield School l2pts. to 3, while conceding defeat to Kingsbury 3pts. to 9. The 1st XV got off to a mixed start with as many games won as lost by Christmas but not until after that did the teams progress really gather momentum when, out of ten games played, eight resulted in victory for the side, the only loss being to Sudbury county club played on a Sunday afternoon.

The season included a venture into the Middlesex seven-a-side competition which proved rather unsuccessful as the team was knocked out in the first round. But it must be realised that our victors were the eventual winners of the "plate" competition.

The season ended with the traditional school versus old boys XV which resulted in a 6-6 draw - the score reflecting the balance of play throughout. This was followed by the usual ritual in the Red Lion which, I have been led to believe, is the main purpose of the event.

Special mention must be given to our captain John Woof whose leadership contributed no small part to the success of the team; also Peter Wismayer whose all round play especially in set pieces could not have been done without. To flanker Malcolm Taylor and to full back Paddy Grayell whose strength in defence and speed in attack gave added confidence to the team, also his place kicking, giving him a total of 76pts., did not go unappreciated.

All these, it is sad to say, have now left and will be greatly missed, but it is hoped they will return next year to play in the old boys' side. But with eleven members of the team remaining and many others coming up to take their places, it is hoped the standard of play will improve even more.

It must be said also that all this could not have been possible without the invaluable contribution made by Mr. Whitaker who has devoted so much time and energy to the organising and training of teams throughout the school virtually single-handed and whose own enthusiasm is reflected in the teams' play and will to win.

Thanks also to Mr. Pickles whose encouragement was greatly appreciated.

Finally, in reflecting the present state of rugby in the school, it is perhaps sufficient to say that whereas once, in order to make up numbers, unwanted or cast out soccer players were drafted into the team, on more than one occasion, this season the reverse has happened.

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