Year 9 Win Middlesex Shield

By Arthur East (9Tr) and Reuben Mansaray (9Ad)

The First Group Stage

The team started off the tournament with a new beginning after a disappointing defeat last year. It was a cold, crisp morning and the boys took part in an invigorating warm-up led by the coaches. The first game was a tough encounter with Enfield Grammar, but the team did not fall short with a 12-0 win. Finn Barnes drove through the front lines, fearlessly securing our first try of the game, closely followed by another to win the game. Unfortunately, the third game did not have a win in store for us. London Oratory managed to slip through our defensive line, leaving an open space in front of them and leading to their fortunate win.

Some great highlights from the last game include:

• Mostafa Alenezi soared down the touchline and delivered with an incredible try.
• Arthur East’s back line defensive tackle immobilised the opposition from taking another step.

The Shield Round

The team started off the second round with a rough start, just scraping a win against Richard Reynolds with some lucky last-minute tackles and a few hasty breakaways. We then went on to face Hampton, the deciding game of the Shield. An inspiring team talk from our coaches gave us great motivation. Unfortunately, however, the team could not bring ourselves to take Hampton on physically, conceding a try. We felt discouraged. Then, a scrum that could make or break the game. Arthur gave the ball out the back to Finn who made a run and put it down in the try line.

Later on, another scrum. This was it. Game. We ran the team tactic, with Reuben Mansaray picking it up out the scrum - battering five opposition players down and ensuring we won the Shield to take home.