In the electrifying aftermath of last week’s nail-biter against Ealing Academy, the 2024 Lambs burst onto the scene at King Edward’s School, Birmingham, ready to face off against the powerhouse that is Coventry Academy.
Right from the kick-off, the Lambs showcased their attacking prowess. Alex Knight from King Edwards, Bath, danced through the defence with dazzling footwork, setting the stage with a try within the first 2 minutes. Not to be outdone, Tobias Ishaque of King Edwards, Birmingham, sprinted away at the 10-minute mark, propelling the men in Pink to a promising 14-0 lead.
Coventry, however, came alive with brilliant line speed, disrupting the Lambs’ fast and free-flowing rugby. Tommy Foa, last week’s hat-trick hero from King’s College, Taunton, seized a bouncing ball and ignited a break down the sideline. Henry Trevis of King Edward’s, Birmingham, then found the captain, Reuben Hanson of Northampton School for Boys, continuing his impressive scoring streak this season.
Knight struck again moments later, showcasing his prowess in a one-on-one battle to finish in the corner. Yet, Coventry’s spirit remained unbroken, earning a well-deserved converted try just before halftime. The contest was far from over.
Half Time: Lambs 28-7 Coventry Academy
Coventry charged into the second half, maintaining the pressure and forcing the Lambs to defend their line. Their altered defensive strategy caused some headaches, but the Lambs held firm. A stellar break from Jack Thornton of Durham School down the outside found Trevis, who evaded three defenders on his way to the try line, extending the lead to 35-7.
Hanson added to his tally shortly after, but Coventry showed resilience, spending prolonged periods in the Lambs’ 22. Capitalising on a Lambs error, they made a break down the blind side, scoring in the corner.
The Lambs, however, seized control with two quick-fire tries. Will Neilson of Henley College cut a delicious line off Freddie Drake Lee from Bedford School, securing the Lambs’ final try of the afternoon.
Full Time: Lambs 63-12 Coventry.
In a captivating clash that unfolded like a rugby epic, the Lambs’ relentless attack and Coventry’s unwavering spirit painted a picture of true sportsmanship on the hallowed grounds of King Edward’s School. The 2024 Lambs have etched their mark in the rugby archives with a commanding performance that left fans breathless and in awe.
A great display of running Rugby from both sides. National Manger James Vecchio commented,
“A really clinical performance from the Lambs perhaps Coventry deserved a little more on the scoreboard. In terms of the Lambs, it was brilliant to see 46 players represent the Lambs over this weekend with the Selected XV playing yesterday. The Lambs would like to extend their thanks to King Edwards, Birmingham for the hospitality today and now look forward to the Boys Club of Wales, Sunday 11th February, Sherborne School, 14:00 KO.”
Lambs XV:
15 Alex Knight (KES Bath), 14 Tobias Ishaque (KES Birmingham), 13 Tommy Foa (King’s College, Taunton), 12 Henry Trevis (KES Birmingham), 11 Fred Rierodan (King’s Macclesfield), 10 Toby Skelly (Mill Hill), 9 Oakleigh Roe (King’s Gloucester), 1 Daniel Bailey (Malvern College), 2 Jack Thronton (Durham), 3 Ed Elwell (Sherborne), 4 Edward Wilkie (Trinity), 5 Jake Dallyn (Lord Wandsworth College), 6 Matthew Serrell-Cook (King’s College, Taunton), 7 Reuben Hanson (Northampton School for Boys, captain), 8 Gabe Whelpton (The Oratory).
Replacements: 16 Fraser Kerry (Wellingborough), 17 Will Neilson (Henley College), 18 Archie MacNaughton (Newcastle School for Boys), 19 George Morris (Lord Wandsworth College), 20 Fred Webzell (Trinity), 21 Freddie Drake-Lee (Bedford), 22 Jett Kelley (Mount St Mary’s), 23 Alex Nagasa (Bancroft’s).
