Writes Edward Conway, Director of Rugby
The Merchant Taylors’ Senior Rugby squad made history at the Rosslyn Park 7s by becoming the first Taylors’ team on record to qualify for the second day of play. In March 2019, a talented U16 side representing Taylors’ managed to win their group, but unfortunately lost the playoff. The dream ended there. However, this year, our U18 squad managed to get a step further still.
The achievement demanded great resilience. The first game played was against a talented and physical Sevenoaks side, who scored two early tries. In fact, we were trailing 17-14 at half-time. However, a second half blitz saw us cruise to a 40-24 victory, showing signs of some fantastic 7s which we hoped we could continue throughout the day.
In years past, Taylors’ have struggled with the second game, coming unstuck and plunging the day into doubt. This time however, the boys did a fantastic job of sticking to their passing game against a battling Wimbledon College. Again, as a testament to the team’s commitment, they finished 22-14 to Merchant Taylors’. The last game against the College of Richard Collyer was the chance to wrap up the group. Again, we went behind early, trailing 14-0 quickly. However, we soon adapted and came back to win 35-21.
That set up a crucial playoff game against Loughborough College. They were a physical side who didn’t move the ball as well as we did, but provided a tough opposition in contact situations. We had the lead going into the final two minutes, but unfortunately they scored two quick tries to take the lead 26-21 on the last play. We were successful in getting the ball back. Siezing the chance, Huseyin O. (L6th) hit a wonderful line to spring 70m before offloading superbly to Alessandro V. (U6th), who sprinted the remainder to score under the posts to level the game. Unaware of how important the kick was, Matthew L. (U6th) took the conversion quickly, scoring to secure a 28-26 win, confirming our place in Day 2 for the first time on record.
As the first day drew to a close, Huseyin finished with a total of six tries, whilst Alessandro and Ethan P. (U6th) scored four each. They were supported by outstanding rugby from their teammates, of whom Blake B. (L6th) and Oliver B. (L6th) were both prominent. Unfortunately, both were injured in the playoff and could not play on Day 2.
The Day 2 Group Stage was always going to be tough, pitted against a serious level of opposition. Sherborne were first up on the showpiece pitch, where they taught us a harsh lesson in the importance of possession. Sherborne defended our opening attacks brilliantly and soon opened the scoring. They continually won the ball back at kick off, a major part of 7s, and that made life very difficult for us as we succumbed to a 43-7 defeat. We showed great spirit in the two remaining games despite also losing both: 38-12 to Harrogate Grammar and 46-19 to Oundle.
Whilst the second day results might read as a loss, the experience was actually a big step. The team enjoyed limited preparation, thanks to their busy lives at Taylors’. As it was, it turned out our group was a particularly difficult draw, as Sherborne went on to win the whole competition. Oundle lost in the Bowl final.
We were immensely proud of our history-making boys, and can only hope that the removal of the Day 2 barrier can show younger boys that it is possible.
