Year 10 boys are brave in National Cup defeat!
The Sirius Academy Year 10 boys team produced a gallant display in the Carnegie Champion Schools National Cup Quarter-Final against Temple Moor School (Leeds). With seven regular 1st team players missing through injury or other reasons, the boys who came in, many with little or no Rugby experience, and the three Year 9 students, gave their all in a brave display, against a bigger and well organised side. In reflection, the boys can be proud of their efforts this season so far, with a 1st ever appearance in a Yorkshire Cup Final, and with the Hull Schools Rally next week, they still have the opportunity to gain a trophy that their efforts and commitment deserves.
The game started with Sirius on the back foot, with the big Moor forward pack been met by some excellent defence from Josh Jackson and Louis Calvert. With captain Liam Harris leading by example after his outstanding display in the previous evenings Year 11 National Final, Sirius refused to break until a quick play the ball saw the Moor player dive over. Undeterred by this Sirius took the game back, with debutant and Year 9 player Josh Illmes-Caville solid at the back, and another debutant James Brewin making good yards forward. Good foundations were laid by the hard-working Calvin Parker and Brandon Hepworth, and space was created for Liam Platten to run an excellent angle to crash over, and Harris converted for a 6-4 Sirius lead. Moor continued to drive forward, and Tom Hance and George Scottow, battled well, and the other two Year 9 players Connor Giddings and Liam Moss, defied the size difference of the opposition to stand up and show their courage and determination. With two minutes of the 1st half left Moor crashed over, to leave Sirius 10-6 down at half-time after an excellent effort.
The 2nd half was always going to be tough on Sirius, with limited numbers meaning tired players were producing big efforts with no rest. Harris again was superb, leading the team in defence and attack, with his footwork causing the Moor defence trouble on every occasion he touched the ball. Eventually the numbers and size of the opposition began to show, despite Jon Godwin, Liam Sigurdsson refusing to back down, and Jack Walton impressing as a replacement. A Moor try left the score at 14-6 with eight minutes remaining however Sirius were out on their feet, and conceded three late tries to take the score to 34-6, a score which does not give a reflection of the effort, commitment and team spirit that the boys showed.
Special thanks to James Krebs for travelling with us, and for his support with the team, it was much appreciated by all! Also praise to the injured Benn Arbon and Rohid Zamani whose enthusiasm and attitude despite not playing was excellent.
Please congratulate the following boys on their effort and attitude:
Connor Giddings (Year 9), Jon Godwin, Brendon Hepworth, Liam Sigurdsson, Liam Harris, Louis Carmichael, Calvin Parker, Tom Hance, Josh Jackson, Liam Platten, George Scottow, Liam Moss (Year 9), Josh Illmes-Caville (Year 9), Jack Walton, Jordan Borman, Louis Calvert, James Brewin.
Next Rugby match
Year 10 Hull Schools Rally at Haworth Park on Thursday 17th May- 4:15pm KO.
