Spalding Grammar School’s rugby team moved into the last 32 of the NatWest under-15 Cup with a 22-13 win at Norwich.
Having won home matches against Thomas Clarkson Academy, Stamford and Oundle – this was Spalding’s first away match in the competition.
Knowing that Norwich would be a skilful team, it was always going to be a close affair for the fifth round match-up.
The game started well for the Spalding team as, after some powerful running from Charles Hughes, Patrick Harrington was able to score with a strong finish.
The next phase of the first half contained a lot of possession from the Norwich team, but some excellent defence prevented any tries being scored. With the score at 5-3 James Luto was able to score a penalty on the stroke of half time and SGS were 8-3 up at the break.
The excellent tackling continued into the second half and, after some neat phases of play, Will Hughes was able to find some space and score under the posts taking the scoreline to 15-3.
Norwich were then able to score an excellent try, making it 15-8.
The Spalding players rallied, led by Harrington, allowing Charles Hughes to add another try, and Luto calmly kicked the conversion.
Norwich came back strongly to score a try in the corner, but the match finished 22-13 for a huge win for SGS.
There were outstanding performances all over the field. However, Tom Wide, Henry Scott and Henry Hoyles led the pack superbly.
Coach Mr Stone said: “Well done to the whole team.
“The commitment which the team has displayed during training and matches has been excellent and their cup run continues.”
