On Sunday the Lambs got together for their last dance of the 2023 season, up against the formidable Exeter Chiefs U17.
From the outset the quality of the hosts was clear, being able to find their structure moving the ball well, and exploiting holes in the Lambs’ defence. The Lambs, though under the cosh, started to put some nice play together with Mayall (Ipswich School) knocking the Chiefs’ solid defence back. However it was a dominant display in the opening period of the half and it saw Exeter score three converted tries in the first quarter of an hour.
The Lambs stepped up after that point though, Micheal Jensen and Oliver Ayling (Mount Kelly) with some crunching hits in the middle of the pitch before Jon Taylor-Anton (Felsted School) made a great rip to turn over possession, followed by a brilliant offload to find Lambs’ deadly finisher Pattison (Sir Thomas Rich’s) who once again raced away to score Lambs’ opener.
The Lambs continued with this attacking flair with Owain Davies (Bristol Grammar School) spotting a gap on the side of Exeter’s ruck defence to dot down. However, right on the verge of half time Chiefs structure again through their powerful forwards.
Half Time: Lambs 12-28 Exeter Chiefs.
The second half started similarly to the first, with Exeter finding their flow and the Lambs seemingly unable to exit their 22. The Lambs’ were dogged in defence though, which saw Chiefs held up over the line, keeping the Lambs in touching distance. In this half, not all passes were sticking for Exeter, and the Lambs were scrapping for every ball. The scores remained unchanged for the opening fifteen minutes but the Exeter Chiefs kept knocking to find the try to finish the contest, eventually doing so to break out to a 35-12 lead.
With little to lose the Lambs started to express themselves. A great run from Taylor-Anton saw the Lambs camped in Exeter territory. The home side’s defence continued to be ruthless, with some big tackles putting the Lambs backwards. Still the Lambs pushed though and from a quick tap, Usher (The Kings School, Macclesfield) jinked inside to players and broke down the middle of the pitch. Two more quick passes saw Taylor-Anton dot down for a well-deserved try to close to 17-35.
The Lambs had come to life. Moments later Exeter passed the ball to Chads (Seaford College) who chipped through and collected his kick. Keeping the ball alive, they moved the ball to Charlie Way (Taunton School), who put in another brilliant kick for Usher (Capatian) to dive over in the corner. Straight from the kick-off, they were at it again. Way threw a big pass to Usher who typically stepped the man ahead to break down the outside, and great support line from Micheal Guppy (St Peter School, York) saw them score again to make things interesting for the final few minutes at 31-35.
A Way quick tap then caught the Chiefs forwards napping, breaking straight through the middle. From the resulting breakdown Bustamante (Berkhamsted School) jumped over the line to score and suddenly the Lambs had a 38-35 from nowhere.
However Exeter Chiefs were never going to go quietly, particulary after that brilliant opening salvo, and with two minutes left on the clock, Exeter had a penalty, which the sent to the corner, setting up a powerful drive, to score with the very last play of the game. Heartbreak for the men in pink, sheer joy for the home side.
Full Time: Lambs 38-42 Exeter Chiefs.
James Vecchio, Lambs National manager stated after the game: “I am extremely proud of everyone who put on the Lambs shirt today, that could have easily been a heavy defeat. The character shown to get themselves back into the game is truly outstanding and what the Lambs is all about. I feel they will have learnt a lot, doing the unexpected is key to the success of our game. Congratulations to Exeter, a class outfit which was typified by the last play of the game line-out which saw them victorious on the day.”
The Lambs season in the UK is now complete, James also added “a massive thank you to all the players, parents and coaches who have helped the program continue to be successful. Also, all the opposition teams we have come up against, all great fixtures and memories which will last a lifetime.”
The Lambs now look forward to their Summer tour in Dubai and South Africa.
There was a second Lambs side in action as the Old Boys side took to the field at Rugby School in one of the many events celebrating the bicentenary of the game at the school, taking on England Deaf in a stylish performance on The Close.
The Lambs showed all of the flair for which they were famous as schoolboys in pink, and now as seniors in the pink of the Old Boys side they looked, if it’s possible, even more exciting as the thrilled onlookers against the England side.
It was also the final game in charge of a Lambs side for Alex Laybourne, whose ten years association with The Lambs as National Director comes to a close. He passes on the reigns to James Vecchio, who has been looking after the U18s side as Director this year. Laybourne will remain on the Lambs board, but all National Director duties now pass to Vecchio.
Commenting on the game at Rugby School, Laybourne said:
“It was a fantastic day at Rugby School, and a real privilege not only to be part of the bicentenary celebrations, but to also play against the England Deaf side. With players coming from the 2016 Lambs U18s teams, through to the 2022 side, there was a real breadth of players all connected by the ‘Fast and Free’ philosophy. Their ability to jump straight into this game plan, and to connect as a group, helped us play an exciting brand of rugby that was enjoyable for the players to play and for the spectators to watch. We scored some superb tries from a range of opportunities, 1st phase, counterattack and multi-phase, but I was also impressed with how resilient and connected they were as a defensive unit.
It was a fantastic day for the Lambs, fielding both an U18s and an Old Boys side on the same day in two fantastic fixtures. I am delighted with where the programme is at the moment, and excited to see what the future holds.”
