Abingdon School host Eton College this Saturday in one of our big ‘Focus On’ Saturday fixtures.
Abingdon come off the back of a two week tour of Japan, a home pre season festival against Clifton College and Stowe, which kicked on to a cracking first win away over Berkhamsted School having been down for all match, but scoring with 2 minutes to go to win.
Eton College beat Radley College last weekend, bouncing back from a disappointing loss at home to RGS High Wycombe the weekend before, following a successful pre-season against Clifton College, Neath, and Llandovery College.
Unlike most schools they play, both Abingdon and Eton do not bring rugby scholars into the school, so this weekend’s match up is true traditional schoolboy rugby classic. There will undoubtedly be a tight unity and togetherness on both teams, with boys knowing each other well from the battles over the last 5 years. This can be a great asset in those dark moments of the match when you look around, needing that push and you have your long standing best mate with you.
Captained by Henry Isherwood Abingdon 1st XV team are a mobile side aiming to play a style of rugby that suits the boys, but is both enjoyable to play and watch. Most school boy teams are predictable and have endless structure. This is not always going to be the way with this Abingdon team this season. A strong mindset, built upon the preseason tour and a tightness and togetherness second to none, the Abingdon 1st XV are starting to build on successes of the past and push new boundaries both on and off the field.
Eton College will be an extremely tough challenge. With over 600 boys in their Sixth Form alone and a massive rugby tradition this will be some encounter.
Eton are always extremely physical and traditional have a very effective set piece, with smart, intelligent players who adapt well to conditions and the opposition.
Eton’s win last week at Radley College, Abigndon’s big local rivals, is always tough a tough thing to do and they will no doubt be confident and be much looking forward to taking another Oxfordshire school scalp.
Abingdon play in their traditional pink and white for the first official time at home this season on the impressive Waste Court pitch, where there will no doubt be plenty of pride and passion shown by both teams.
This should be a close one, and an exciting one at too.
Results so far:
Abgindon
Saturday 9th September: Won 15-14 away at Berkhamsted
Eton College
Saturday 9th September: Lost 17-5 at home to RGS High Wycombe
Saturday 16th September: Won 22-8 away at Radley College
