Lambs 28 - RFU Midlands Division 33

Both the Independent School National XV (LAMBS) and the RFU Midlands 18s Division took to the field for the first time this season in what was a superb encounter at Moseley RFC.

The RFU Midlands side had size to their advantage, and a direct approach to the game, coupled with the LAMBS still adapting to each others style of play, saw them go 21 – 0 ahead after only 20 minutes. Despite this score-line, the LAMBS were still filled with confidence as they continued to play the open and expansive rugby they are known for, and continued to pick holes in the RFU Midlands defense. After some sustained pressure in attack it fell to an interception score for the LAMBS to finally get their reward, Alfred Nordgren (Woodhouse Grove), finishing under the posts. The boys in pink continued to pressure the Divisional side, with Connor Hein-Jones (Framlingham College) causing problems for them all day, and Cameron Seymour (Blundell’s) was the beneficiary, also scoring under the posts to take the half time score to 21 – 14.

The LAMBS then started the second half as they ended the first, Hein-Jones getting a well deserved score, converted by Tom Jones (Hymers) to take the score to 21 – 21. The RFU Midlands changed tact at this point, with an increased kicking game to try and pin the LAMBS back, the back three dealt this with superbly as they continued to counter attack at any available opportunity. However, with a number of changes being made by both sides the game started to break up, and the RFU Midlands took advantage, scoring two quick tries in a similarly direct fashion to their opening three, moving the score to 33 – 21.

With seven minutes to go, for most teams this would have been the end, but a two-minute passage of play from the kick off saw Dominic Warby (Durham) score under the posts to take the game to 33 – 28. The LAMBS then continued to pressure and an 80 meter break from their own line saw them gain a penalty with the last play of the game just 20 meters out. However, today was not the day for the last minute victory as an attempted interception was knocked on and the full time whistle blown.

LAMBS 18s National Director Alex Laybourne said after the game:
“It was a superb game that could have gone either way. I thought we played some superb running rugby; the boys played themselves out of trouble and into excellent attacking positions, ultimately scoring four well-earned tries.

For the squads first run out I am very pleased, and we are in a very strong position going forwards. It took twenty minutes for us to settle, but once we did we were dangerous with ball in hand and the boys played for each other. I am excited to see what this group of players will do this season.”

Final Score –
Independent Schools RFC (LAMBS) 28 – 33 RFU Midlands Division

‘Moneycorp’ Men of the Match –
LAMBS - Connor Hein-Jones (Framlingham College)
RFU Midlands – Jamie Shilcock