Wokingham defeat Reading in youth rugby Berkshire County Final

Expectations were high as 2016 under 14 finalists Forest School and Reading Blue Coat School (RBCS) faced each other again in the 2017 under 15 Berkshire County Final.

There was much to applaud in this thrilling game; where intensity, passion and technical ability were key features.

Playing into a strong wind for the first half, the first five minutes were all Forest, with the forwards dominating possession; this was to set the tone for the rest of the match. RBCS came back and Forest withstood 10 minutes of real pressure; then a break away saw Ross Evans run away from the defence to score under the posts, Tom Sharp converting.RBCS then replied with an unconverted try after another period of sustained pressure on The Forest line. Forest crossed the RBCS line again through a ‘bullocking’ run by Dan King. RBCS came back and scored themselves in the last play of the half leaving the half time score 12 – 10 to The Forest.

With the wind at their backs,The Forest Forwards took control and dominated possession for the majority of the second half.There were several opportunities which went begging and on a warmer night passes would have been caught and more tries scored.Then with around five minutes to go Marcus Bailey weaved his way over the line for a try, Sharp’s conversion attempt hit the bar so the score was 17-10 to Forest.

RBCS then launched an all-out attack in one last desperate effort to claw their way back and force extra time. The Forest defence, however, had other ideas, and a crucial interception enabled Sharp to clear to touch and the victory was secured.

The standard of the rugby was excellent, the spirit and the manner the game was played in was exemplary-hard, uncompromising yet fair. A real advert for schoolboy rugby at the highest level. No quarter given and none expected. A big thanks must go to the excellent parental attendance at matches and for the final.