The ISRFC Lambs U16s narrowly missed out on an historic scalp in the second game of the U16 International Series in Colwyn Bay, losing 14-10 to Scotland Greens.
The Scots gave an early indication of their intent when, in the second minute of the game, they set up a rolling maul from a lineout in the Lambs ’22, and eventually crashed over to score a converted try.
Despite difficult conditions, the Lambs remained hell-bent on staying true to their fast and free attacking philosophy, with James Webster (Epsom College) and Maxime Findley (New Hall) again prominent.
After sustained pressure, Harvey Graham (Berkhamsted) crossed to bring the score to 7-5 in Scotland’s favour.
The Scots quickly bounced back with a series of powerful carries resulting in a pick-and-go try, before elusive winger Will Brooke-Webb (King’s College Taunton) scored his second try in as many matches.
The half-time score line of 14-10 did not alter over the course of the second half, as Scotland managed to squeeze the Lambs, dominating territory and displaying an intelligent kicking game. The Lambs’ efforts to run the ball from their own ’22 occasionally threatened to produce a spectacular finish, but handling errors in important positions invariably let them down.
U16 National Manager Robin Hardman commented: “After shipping 60 points against Scotland Reds on Sunday, we could have decided to change the way that we wanted to approach the game, and, especially in those conditions, tried to play slightly more conservatively, but this group have been brilliant in buying in to our playing philosophy, and it was wonderful to see them trying to run the ball from everywhere on the pitch.”
“Captain Sam Smedley (St John’s, Leatherhead) has really impressed us all week, and put in another all-action display, while the two Pangbourne boys, Ollie Andrews-Hirons and Stephen Bonnett, made a superb impact from the bench. Man-of-the-Match Toby Warren (New Hall) again directed play with the swift, intelligent service that is so essential to how we want to play the game.”
“We will relax a little over the next few days as the boys get to know North Wales and crack on with their GCSE revision, but they will undoubtedly be very eager to continue their education in the final game of the International Series against Scotland Blues on Sunday.”
Full Time: ISRFC Lambs 10-14 Scotland Green U16
ISRFC Lambs XV:
15 Marcus Marchant (Dulwich College), 14 Will Brooke-Webb (King’s College, Taunton), 13 Maxime Findley (New Hall, vc), 12 Harvey Graham (Berkhamsted), 11 Solomon Boon (King’s Ely), 10 James Webster (Epsom College), 9 Toby Warren (New Hall), 1 Tristan Smith (Felsted), 2 Toby Tyson (Cranleigh), 3 Carlson White (Uppingham), 4 Joe Jenner (Reigate Grammar), 5 George Dady (Wisbech Grammar), 6 Jim Griffin (Harrow), 7 Sam Smedley (St John’s Leatherhead, captain), 8 Kodie Holloway (Framlingham College).
Replacements: 16 Stephen Bonnett (Pangbourne College), 17 Ollie Andrews-Hirons (Pangbourne College).
Scotland U16 Greens:
Forwards
Andrew Curtis (Wollaston)
Olly Frostick (William de Ferrers/Northampton Saints)
Hamish Janaway (Lord Wandsworth/London Irish)
Bailey Albert (Bishop Stortford HS)
Iain Carmichael (Sedburgh/Newcastle Falcons)
Will Harding (Salesian College)
Innes Hill (Stokesley/Newcastle Falcons)
James Loraine (Bilton/Wasps)
Charlie Christie (Harrow)
Matthew Deehan (RGS Newcastle/Newcastle Falcons)
Henry Mair (Wisbech Grammar)
Matthew O’Connor (Lawrence Sherriff/Wasps)
Backs
Jonty Cope (Kirkham Grammar)
Jack Sykes (Radley College)
Scott Masson (RGS High Wycombe)
Alexander Leung (Harrow/London Irish)
Max Lindsey (British School of Paris / Racing 92)
Cameron Ritchie (Bromsgrove/Wasps)
Markuss Boyd (QES Kirby Lonsdale/Newcastle Falcons)
Dylan Evans (Millfield)
Robin McClintock (Lycee Notre Dame/Lyon Olympique)
James Aikman (RGS Worcester)
