Taylorian 2020

85 backs, when on form, were outstanding in attack. Jake Prior as fly half utilised some clever kicking to put the opposition under pressure. Rahul Patel was consistently the hardest working player on the pitch as scrum half and would often be out alone chasing down a player twice his size after a kick. Matt Lurie, Isaac Taylor-Cummings, and Joseph Lawson Smith (most improved player) all had exceptional pace and strong handling. The undisputed outstanding player was Rishaban Gowribala, who was consistently lightning-quick, our hardest working tackler, and our most prolific try scorer. We had some great rugby characters, with Devan Patel, Sahil Patel, and James Ward providing endless comedy and occasionally some quite exceptional rugby. Thanks should go to the whole team for their usually tolerable behaviour and great enthusiasm, and to Mr Hawkes, who helped us this season and actually knew something about the game. For me the highlight was at the last training session, when 21 U15D players turned up at the end of the season still keen to have some fun – a testament to the talent and enthusiasm we have for rugby within this year group. Mr J D Innes Squad: M. Allen, S. Amin, O. Benson, D. Esmail, M. Eunice, R. Gowribala, A. Kundi, J. Lawson Smith, M. Lurie, D. Patel, J. Patel, P. Patel, R. Patel, S. Patel, J. Prior, S. Shah, H. Shannon, M. Sogeke, I. Taylor-Cummings, S. Thakrar, J. Ward, A. Whiteside. U14A The inspirational seventeenth-century English philosopher and physician John Locke once suggested that ‘fortitude is the guard and support of the other virtues.’ If that is so, the U14As need not worry, for they have it in spades. In what proved to be something of a roller coaster season, this fine group of men learned a lot about rugby (and life), revelled in outstanding fellowship, and enjoyed some memorable old times. They also played some simply scintillating stuff, spearheaded by the triple threat of Noah Softleigh-Moore, Tommy White and David Opoku, serious operators all. Up front, Ed Bennett, James Hely-Hammond, Taiga Suzuki and Ben Lakin provided the muscle, whilst Alex Leitch, Kyle Wagjiani and Hari Dhir carried, harried and generally made a complete nuisance of themselves. The half backs Tom Ford, Reece Jones and Shaan Popat grew into their roles and steered the team around the park, and Matthew Ault, Skye Pagnini, and Oliver Browne oozed class. Thanks must also be extended to Coach Dave and Mr. Jenkin for their rugby nous, unfailing good humour, and all- round loveliness, plus the parents for their unbridled enthusiasm and unflagging support. Mr MW S Hale Squad: D. Opoku (Capt.), E. Bennett, J. Hely-Hammond, J. Kay, J. Hazan, T. Suzuki, A. Leitch, B. Lakin, K. Wagjiani, H. Dhir, A. Sawant, K. Raghvani, H. Hills, F. Cawthorne, T. Ford, G. Dalton, R. Jones, S. Popat, M. Ault, N. Softleigh-Moore, S. Pagnini, O. Browne, T. White. U14B The U14Bs’ season started with promise, endured some trials and tribulations, but ended with a flourish. It is always a season of evolution as boys learn the Merchant Taylors’ rugby philosophy, get to know each other, mature physically and psychologically, and transition in mentality from prep school to senior school. The season had it all. There were narrow losses to Mill Hill and a heartbreaker by a single point to an enormous Watford side. There were ‘challenging’ away losses, played in mud baths (London Oratory), and one- sided matches against weaker opponents such as UCS or St Benedict’s. The final two matches of the seasonwere superbvictories: a skilful exhibition of running rugby against Reed’s, and a gritty effort away at a good St Albans side. Some players stood out. S. Patel’s scrummaging and work rate caught the eye, as did Josh Hazan and Sacranie’s ball carrying. Sawant’s tackling was consistently impressive, and Yeraliyev and Soni emerged as back rowers. Behind the scrum, R. Jones’ understanding of the game and passing allowed others time and space; and Paunovic’s running and defensive organisation was impressive. Player of the season Hinton distributed well and played with heart in every match, and (‘Two Tries’) Olayinka became a reliable finisher, finishing comfortably as top try scorer in the year group. Overall, the team trained with purpose, and some dedication, even if there was some inconsistency on match days. The group were a pleasure to coach and will continue to develop as they progress through the school. Played: 9 Won: 4 Lost: 5 Points for: 228 Points against: 162. Mr T W Jenkin Squad: S. Patel, J. Meinck, J. Hazan, A. Sacranie, J. Kay, K. Patel, G. Yeraliyev, K. Ragvani, A. Sawant, L. Hinton, R. Jones, T. Olayinka, G. Dalton, V. Paunovic, U. Otibo, L. Hunter, H. Hills, A. Soni, A. Sodha, F. Ahmed, S. Ahmed, M. Domb, A. Mistry, M. Duggleby, E. Idayefugbara, F. Onamusi, M. Ault, E. Arslan, M. Garvey, L. Weir, K. Wagjiani. U14C This was a good season of well-balanced fixtures during which the U14C team developed their game, winning four matches, losing four, and drawing one. The season tested the organisation and individual courage of the team and showed them to be a gritty, tough group of young men. By the end of the season they were well organised, excelled at the breakdown, and looked purposeful with the ball in hand. As well as playing for Taylors’, some boys pulled on an opposition shirt for half of the last match to make up London Oratory’s numbers; they played with real integrity and showed an outstanding respect for the game. It was a pleasure to coach this side, who made excellent progress and really clicked as a team. Mr J H Tyler Squad: S. Ahmed, S. Kalyan, A. Joshi, J. Hawkes (Capt), M. Domb, R. Sidhu, Y. Velimachitis, T. Varsani, S. Patel, D. Shah, F. Onamusi, E. Arslan (Vice-Capt), N. Patel, F. Ahmed, A. Mistry, R. N. Shah, D. Reddy, M. Duggleby.