1st XV News

JTC 1st XV raise The Scotch Cup to the Sky

Coaches report by Christian Golding (Critter)

After 6 months of the ups of the Welborn Cup semi-finals and the lows of being bundled out of the home and away season, the challenge was certainly before the team if they were to raise the Scotch Cup in 2013.

The boys' effort and commitment lifted to that expected of JTC 1st 15 players in the lead up to August 8th which provided a platform to launch a serious challenge. The intensity at training was also aided by the regular appearance of old boys of the College coming to help and watch the players' preparation. This was greatly appreciated and also highlighted to current players that this was no ordinary game.

Although the day of the match didn't always run to plan, we made it to the game (thanks Mr Haines) in time for kick off. The silence on the bus reflected the players' nerves, intensity and focus to perform. These feelings were further enhanced when the players disembarked the bus to see the great JTC support from the sidelines.

The first 10 mins of the match saw JTC dominate both possession and field position, however this did not translate into points until Stefan slotted a penalty to put JTC 3 points clear. With the field waterlogged there were multiple stoppages however the forwards had prepared well for this and the JTC scrum showed dominance early. Later in the half Scotch had an opportunity to level the scores but failed to convert leaving JTC marginally ahead leading into the break.

The second half saw some strong attacks around the ruck with a pick and drive seeing Conor Corless (Quads) well supported to get over the white line for a five pointer which was in turn converted.

Scotch, to their credit, responded quickly with a converted try following some strong work from the lineout. This brought the margin back to 3 and in the last 15 mins both teams spent time in each other's defensive 22 with resolute defence shown (again by both teams) and numerous crunching tackles on display.
After 60 mins, the sweetest sound was heard and the referee blew his whistle to signal that the Scotch Cup was coming home for the first time in 4 years. The players, spectators and coaching staff came together to celebrate this special moment. It was an entire team effort of every player that had worn the blue and gold over the year.

After the initial excitement, the image of the players coming together and holding the trophy aloft will be something that will stay with me as I'm sure it will with the boys.

A proud moment that we can all share as part of the current and past JTC family.

Captains report by Tim Wallace (The Flash)

As Captain of the JTC 1st XV, I was very proud to lead the team on to the pitch though a guard of honour of cheering pupils and supporters from JTC. The atmosphere was fantastic, It lifted our spirits and we were ready to get on with the game.
It was a very intense game and every player gave it everything they had. There were times when Scotch could have broken away but team were relentless and never backed down.

We were so happy when the final whistle went and we won 10 -7.

A huge thank you to our coach Critter, for all your time and commitment and especially your mentoring.

Thanks also to the assistant coaches, Tim Casey, Matt Rigby and Joe Kinder.

Thank you to JTC for supporting rugby at the College, I hope this success helps the rugby to continue to grow, because it is more than a game.

I wish next years team and coaches all the best for next season.

BACK ROW
 Joe Kinder, Stefan Hill, Conor Corless, Tim Wallace, Josh Girdler, Hamish Donovan, Rob Gamble, Alex Rigby, Liam Pearson,
Aidan Woodthorpe, Will Phillips, Chris Tran, Dom O'Dea, Christian Golding, Tim Casey.
 FRONT ROW
 Matt Rigby, Pat Liddle, Andrew St John-Ayre, Drew Wallington, Nolan Hahn, David King, Anthony Layne, Kade Ebeling, Jack Lee,
Mark Sherriff, Stefan Geleta.
Photos by Anouk Ratnawibushana