On 8 February Ryde School U15 rugby team played against The Westgate School, Winchester, in the final of the Hampshire Cup.
On Wednesday Ryde School U15 rugby team traveled to Romsey to play against The Westgate School, Winchester, in the final of the Hampshire Cup. Some early possession for Ryde School players led to two tries, one from a rampaging Freddie and the other from talismanic No.8 Fergus. Ryde led 12-nil at halftime. In the second half Westgate started regaining momentum and scored two tries.
The match was poised for a dramatic finish. Ryde School retaliated with two incredible tries from Billy and Ben, after some lovely handling in attack. Near the end of the match the Westgate team kept possession and their star fly half broke down the wing only for the colossal Pat to pull off a try saving tackle and bundle him into touch.
Ryde School were on the ropes once more and, after two penalties against them, were forced to defend a Westgate 5m scrum. The situation looked bleak but thanks to an epic scrum full of grit and determination led by front row George, Tom and Sam, Ryde School pushed Westgate off their own ball to force the turnover and kick it to safety, soon after regaining possession and seeing out the victory.
The final score ended 25-14 to Ryde School, now the Hampshire Champions!
Special mentions go to the whole team who saved their best performance of the season for this fabulous occasion. With thanks to coaching team Mr H Bagnall, Mr Attrill and the amazing parent support team who travelled to watch.