Routs in schoolboy rugby are never particularly pleasant to watch, it is hard not to feel for the side on the receiving end.
A rout was the result Uppingham today though as they beat Wisbech Grammar School 66-5.
Uppingham knew that they were likely to be far stronger than Wisbech and had selected a fair smattering of 2nd XV players in an attempt to make sure the game was more even, however their players proved that the depth of rugby at Uppingham is in rude health.
In truth the game was over almost as early as fifteen minutes in, Uppingham had a 17-0 lead and looked like scoring with almost every touch. By twenty-five minutes they had already begun to make changes in attempt to stave off too much Wisbech embarrassment.
In fairness to Wisbech though, they did rally a little in the second half, scoring a try through their openside flanker, comfortably their best player on the day. It might seem like a small consolation but on these sorts of games you set yourselves targets as the losing side and that would have been one of them.
They caused Uppingham a few problems at the breakdown too, though that might in part have been because Uppingham left themselves a little short there at times as a few of the workhorses looked to get in on the try scoring action.
That can be the only real criticism of Uppingham though who were excellent throughout the entire match. The running of their outside backs was sublime, whilst their ambition to offload and to move the ball from just about any area of the pitch made for some thrilling play.
Coming out for the second half 45-0 up they kept the pace of their offloading going, with their forwards now getting heavily involved and showing some outstanding handling skills.
Uppingham could ‘only’ add three tries to their first half total of seven though, with a combination of Wisbech managing to hold onto the ball for a good period and the inevitable easing of intensity from the home side, knowing that the game was won.
All in all though it was a thoroughly professional performance from Uppingham, and an ideal chance to build their confidence ahead of their huge local derby against Oundle this weekend.
For Wisbech it was a tough afternoon, the only real moment of joy for them was probably the sound of the final whistle blowing early. This outing will make them stronger though and against weaker sides than Uppingham they will play better for it.
Regardless though, other teams should be mindful of Uppingham, while this might not have been their toughest test the quality of their handling and offloading were two of their major positive points, and handling and offloading are skills that transfer regardless of the opposition.Â
Final Score: Uppingham 66-5 Wisbech Grammar School
Photos of the game are available on our Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/FifteenRugby)
