Colts win at Caldicott

24th March, 2010

The Packwood Colts set off early on Saturday 20th March for the Caldicott Sevens Tournament - arguably the strongest Under 11 tournament in the country.

The boys were well aware that there would be no easy matches and so it proved. Packwood's first opponents, Donhead were very confident and dominated the early part of the match but they were unable to sustain their blistering start. Packwood grew stronger as the match progressed and were worthy winners. They next played a very strong team from Shrewsbury House but managed to maintain their momentum from the first game and won the match and the following one against Danes Hill without conceding a try.

In the quarter final Packwood came up against a determined Ridgeway team who started very strongly. Fortunately, despite losing Cameron McDonald to an Achilles injury, the boys did not panic and were able to regroup to fight their way through to a semi final encounter with St John's Northwood. Some outstanding team play followed resulting in a 21-0 victory and passage through to the final.

This was the match of the day - a terrific game against the boys from Shrewsbury House who were bigger, faster and more aggressive and who deservedly scored first. However, Packwood rallied - they played with intelligence and understanding and scored three quite brilliant tries. To their credit Shrewsbury House never gave up and in the dying seconds their persistence was rewarded with another try. Packwood held on for the win though and their first Caldicott Tournament victory.

This was the Colts third win in a row of three big Sevens tournaments. Their successful campaign has been a real team effort and every boy has contributed throughout the season. They are listed below:

Edward Beard, Freddie Beharrell, Archie Connolly, Rory Davies, Freddie Fielding, Jonty Hall, Bertie Jenkinson, Cameron McDonald, David Schofield, Jonty Schofield, Andrew Tudor and Archie Waterworth.