Taunton School resisted some early pressure from St Benedict’s School before breaking out to score from long range, adding a further six tries to secure a 44-8 victory and thus secure the last of the semi-final places in the Continental Tyres Schools U18 Plate Competition.
Both schools have had strong seasons, and it was therefore no surprise to see them reach the Quarter-Final stage of the U18 Plate competition. Bennies had lost only two games, one to Harrow in the First Round of the Cup, while recording a dozen wins against some strong sides, most recently on the previous Saturday against U18 Vase Semi-Finalists Reed’s. Injuries and flu had unfortunately left them without some key starters, including several Saracens academy squad members. Taunton had lost only the three other schools: Millfield (twice), Seaford and (in the first round of the Cup but subsequently recording a draw in the block fixture) Blundell’s. They were pleased to welcome back from injury their captain and Bears Academy member Monty W, as well as, from the England U18 Development Camp, full back Caspar R.
With the effects of storm Bram having thankfully cleared from the South-East, the game started under floodlights at 4.00 pm, the Bennies’ ground staff having an excellent job in getting the playing surface into good condition. With the kick-off touched by a Taunton player on its way into touch, Bennies had an attacking lineout on the right, and, while they were unable to secure the set-piece ball, they regained possession from the ensuing box kick. After recycling by the forward pack in midfield, right wing Theo I was out into space on the right, and he showed excellent pace to break through and step past would-be tacklers before releasing full back Thomas K, who ran into the 22 and offloaded to hooker Olly McW. The cover defence stopped him short of the line, and after further pressure from the forwards, Bennies were awarded a scrum on the left, but they were penalised, allowing Taunton to clear.
Taunton were unable to find touch with their clearance kick, but were awarded another penalty at the breakdown when Bennies ran the kick back. This time, touch was found, but the throw to the lineout was overthrown, and Bennies made good use of the turnover ball, again moving the ball through the hands on the right. However, the Referee had spotted a forward pass, and Taunton regained possession at a scrum on the left. That first-phase ball was quickly moved wide to the right, where outside centre Nicolas DT showed tremendous pace to sprint along the touchline into the Bennies’ half. Although the cover defence ot across he offloaded to Caspar R, who was up in support and scored in the corner. Inside centre Seth W’s touchline conversion attempt just missed. So the home side, having dominated territory and possession for the first 10 minutes, found themselves behind on the scoreboard.
When Taunton were penalised on halfway, Bennies took the chance to get on the scoreboard themselves, but inside centre Jared B’s long-range kick from the tee fell just wide. The resulting goal line drop-out was run back by No 8 Will C, but Taunton were able to recover possession, and a long clearance kick was put in by Caspar R. That was fielded by Bennies and returned from inside their 22 with a good kick to touch back beyond the halfway line, but, to the consternation of the spectators, the Referee ruled that the resulting Taunton line-out should be taken on the 22. However, the throw was ruled not straight, giving Bennies the chance to clear their lines. The set-piece possession was duly won, but when the ball was moved through the hands to the right, an ambitious long pass was knocked on, giving Taunton an attacking scrum just inside the 22. Monty W picked up from the base and carried strongly on the blind side before offloading to wing Gethin J, who dived in at the corner, Seth W producing an excellent kick from the touchline to add the conversion.
The visitors continued to have problems at the restart, a knock-on giving possession to Bennies at a scrum in midfield. The ball was moved to the right, where Theo I stepped past defenders and, with possession retained, Bennies forced a penalty. There looked to be an opportunity to take three points from the tee, but Bennies opted for a scrum, and with Will C picking up from the base, Theo I was put into space on the right, but a handling error gave Taunton possession at a scrum. Once again, the ball was moved wide on the right, and Caspar R sprinted clear before offloading to wing Jack S (wearing 11 but playing on the right), who displayed the pace of the nationally ranked hurdler that he is, Seth W adding the extras with an excellent kick from the right touchline.
The restart followed a similar pattern, with a knock-on by the Somerset school giving Bennies possession from a scrum, and after carrying by their forwards, they were awarded a penalty. This time, they went for the posts, and Jared B’s kick from the tee at last got them on the scoreboard. Although the home side were able to clear from the restart, Taunton were awarded a scrum in midfield, and again the first phase ball was used effectively, Caspar R breaking on the right before putting Jack S clear to sprint down the touchline and claim his second score with a try in the right corner. Although the touchline conversion was this time unsuccessful, this was a significant score as the interval was reached.
Half-time St Benedict’s School 3-24 Taunton School
The visitors continued to keep the scoreboard ticking over as the second half began, as they forced a penalty and Seth W took the three points on offer from the tee. Bennies were able to win possession at the restart, but after an exchange of kicks they were penalised on halfway way and a good touch was found in the left corner by fly half James C. With a maul set up from the ensuing line-out, the Taunton forwards drove to the line, and Monty W claimed the score. The conversion was missed.
Although Taunton were twice penalised following the restart, Bennies were unable to capitalise, and Taunton made good use of turnover ball, picking out Jack S in space with a kick to the right, and he raced in to complete his hat-trick in the right corner. Following the restart, Taunton were penalised and at last Bennies gained good field position with an attacking line-out in the left corner. However, Taunton were awarded a free kick and were able to clear. After an exchange of kicks, Taunton were penalised, giving Bennies another attacking lineout in the left corner. This time, they were able to win the set-piece ball and drive to the line. Although they were unable to claim the score, a free kick advantage was being played and from a tap, they drove to the line, and Jared B forced his way over to score, though he was unable to add the conversion from the touchline.
The home side reestablished good field position after strong carrying by Jared B following the restart, but they were unable to create a clear scoring opportunity. With time running out, both sides struggled to put together multiple phases of possession. Finally, after forcing a penalty, Bennies looked to move the ball through the hands, but the ball was intercepted by Jack S, who sprinted clear to score under the posts for his fourth try, Seth W adding the extras to complete the scoring.
The scoreline belies how closely contested this game was. Bennies will rue not making the most of their early opportunities, and they played with energy, determination and style throughout. Several of the Taunton tries came from long-range efforts by their very speedy back line, which includes some excellent athletes. They now face RGS Guildford in the semi-finals, due to be played in early March, with Ellesmere College facing Oakham School in a North vs Midlands match-up at that stage.
Full-time St Benedict’s School 8-44 Taunton School
By Peter Crawshaw
Teams:
St Benedict’s School: Orlando A, Olly McW, Freddie R, Hugo W, Arvin R, Tomaso P, Harry H, Will C, Seb C, Victor C-P, Roshan G, Jared B, Finn B, Theo I, Thomas K
Replacements: Isaac G, Fionn E, Shotaro S
Taunton School: Morgan J, Vimo J, Artem B, Charlie W, Heryck G, Harrison P, Morgan M, Monty W (Capt), Harry W, James C, Jack S, Seth W, Nicolas DT, Gethin J, Caspar R (Vice-Capt)
Replacements: Ben P, Leo F, Thomas G
