Sunday 3rd April, saw the Independent Schools RFC play their last game of Argentina Tour 2016 vs. South Buenos Aires provincial club champions, Daom RFC. The LAMBS put in a near faultless performance as they hit top gear and showed what a ‘Fast and Free’ approach can achieve.
Within 3 minutes the Independent Schools side had moved up the pitch after successive penalties. A strong line out provided the platform to move the ball wide, where Truro’s Dan Hubble scored in the corner, converted by RHS’ Toby Buckland.
On 8 minutes, after 12 phases of defence by the LAMBS, Sam Hudson (St Peter’s, York) turned the ball over in the tackle, a break by Arthur Friend (Blundell’s) then saw the ball move wide again for Hudson to finish off what he started, the try once again converted.
Straight from kick off the LAMBS added a third, the ball received deep and shipped immediately to Hubble who added his second to take the score to 21 – 0. Hubble then completed a first half Hat-Rick from turnover ball after only 15 minutes.
As Daom got themselves back in the game the LAMBS stood firm in defence, eventually turnover ball was taken up field by captain Oliver Short (Wisbech Grammar) and loose head Nick Atkinson (Giggleswick), before Ben Oliphant-Thompson (Blundell’s) finished in the corner to take the lead to 33 – 0. However, it wasn’t long until Daom showed why they are provincial champions as a grubber kick behind the defensive line was picked up and scored to narrow the lead by 7.
As half time approached some basic rugby executed very well, and at speed, allowed Isaac Rayworth (Plymouth College) to score a hatrick in an 8 minute spell, all in the right hand corner, and stretch the LAMBS lead to 48 – 7 at half time.
The first 10 minutes of the second half saw the LAMBS move through the gears and Blundell’s pair Ben Oliphant-Thompson and Arthur Friend took full advantage with converted scores each, Friends try a particularly special 80 metre break.
The tempo of play and the heat then meant the Independent Schools RFC emptied their bench for the final 25 minutes. This allowed them to increase the tempo again, and a 50 meter solo break from Hubble was finished by Woodhouse Grove openside Louis Fraser (69 – 7).
Further tries were added by Alec Hampton-Smith (Mount Kelly College), Will Vaughan (Pangbourne College) and Euan Friend (Blundell’s) before Ben Oliphant-Thompson completed his hat-rick and Dan Hubble confirmed his Man of the Match performance with a 4th try.
After the match National Director Alex Laybourne said:
“The final score of 104 – 7 was more down to the LAMBS almost faultless performance and a high tempo, ambitious game play. Daom RFC were stoic in defence and had they held the ball for longer phases would have turned their attacking pressure into points.”
“The hosting by Daom was second to none. Today’s game and post match function are things these boys will never forget and they will carry them wherever they go in their rugby careers. It has been a really positive end to tour.”
Full Time: ISRFC Lambs 104-7 Daom RFC
1 Nick Atkinson (Giggleswick School)
2 Oliver Short (Wisbech Grammar School, captain)
3 Daniel Ali (Cheltenham College)
4 Harry Johnson (Ashville College)
5 Alec Hampton-Smith (Mount Kelly Sport)
6 Sam Hudson (St Peter’s School, York)
7 Louis Fraser (Woodhouse Grove School)
8 Ben Oliphant-Thompson (Blundell’s School)
9 James Costin-Pratt (Pangbourne College)
10 Toby Buckland (The Royal Hospital School)
11 Dan Hubble (Truro College)
12 Will Vaughan (Pangbourne College)
13 Arthur Friend (Blundell’s School)
14 Isaac Rayworth (Plymouth College)
15 Mason Knowles (Woodhouse Grove School)
ISRFC Lambs Tour Results:
Sunday 27th March – Lost 12-55 v Uruguay XV
Tuesday 29th March – Lost 7-52 v Buenos Aires Select XV
Friday 1st April – Won 59-7 v La Plata RFC U19
Sunday 3rd April – Won 104-7 v Daom RFC
