Team Selection for Irish Exiles

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

Lambs U18 v RFU Midlands Division - Team Selection

National Squad Announced

Many congratulations to the boys that have made these seasons National Squad:

U18 National Fixtures

The U18 National fixtures have now been finalised and are correct as per the calendar section of this website:

Sun 25th Jan - Midlands Division @ Moseley RFC 2pm KO
Sun 1st Feb - Irish Exiles @ Maidenhead RFC 1230 KO
Sun 8th Feb - LSE Division @ Maidenhead RFC KO TBC
Saturday 21st Feb - Crawshays @ Maidenhead RFC 12 KO
Monday 9th March - Saracens U17s @ Allianz Park 730pm KO
Sunday 15th March - Boys Club Wales @ Maidenhead RFC 1230 KO

We apologise for the number of South based games this is down to the availability of 4g pitches - due to the time of year that we play a good 4g pitch is essential. In the past because we always try to book 4g pitches we have played on a number of weekends when most other games have been cancelled. We are investigating finding available (always the problem) 4g pitches in other parts of the country.

We are also trying to confirm a Midlands based, evening game on the 2nd/3rd March.

Northern Lambs v Yorkshire

In a very physical encounter at Woodhouse Grove, two well-matched squads played out a thoroughly entertaining game in difficult conditions. The half-time score line of 0-0 did not tell the whole story of a game that was played in an excellent spirit, with the adventure of the Lambs coming up against the more structured Yorkshire team, for whom their back-row was prominent. Lock forward Chambre (Perse) came closest to a score in the last play of the half, but just lost control of the ball over the line.

Both sides made numerous changes at half-time and the Lambs’ greater experience and physicality took its toll as the game went on, with tries coming in the second half for O’Mahony  (Stockport) and Gill (Bedford).

The coaching staff were happy with the performance and the quality on display given the high winds and rain. The match against the Southern XV next Sunday promises to be a cracker!

Southern Lambs v Esher U19

A strong Lambs side were too good for the Esher U19 side. The first half was littered with mistakes as it was the first time the squad had played together. Handling errors and dropped ball led to Esher having good spells of possession but the Lambs defence was up to the task. On the back of this defence we were able to score two tries. We were fortunate to have a big squad so made many changes at half time and added strength. As Esher tired we ran away with the game and there were many scorers as the final score was 69 nil. The highlights of the game were a strong scrummage and turning the ball over on our line and going the length of the pitch.