UK 7 a SIDE RUGBY WARRIORS CLAIM RUNNERS-UP SPOT ON DEBUT ________________________________________

THE Rams-backed Wokingham Warriors Under 18s – made up of players from a variety of local schools – enjoyed an outstanding debut as they far exceeded expectations to finish as runners-up at the LVS Ascot-hosted ‘Society of Heads’ Sevens tournament at Hazelwood.

Having only four training sessions under their belt and with none of the 12 players having played competitive Sevens before, the side performed superbly in winning their group games against LVS (24-5), Embley (24-12) and Cokethorpe (14-10).

During those successes the side adapted brilliantly to the shortened version of the game, the front row of Ollie McGlennon, Ed Marsden and Finn Moore bringing a physical edge their opponents couldn’t match while in the backs Patrick Brown, Theo Pett-Ridge and Cameron Oakley combined very effectively with some brilliant off-loading evident throughout the afternoon.

Wing Callum du Preez also used his pace to finish several tries and pulled off some impressive try saving tackles.

Having won all their pool games and growing in confidence, the Federation side progressed to the main competition, and helped by valuable contributions from forward replacements Nic Jessett, Jack Taylor and scrum-half Fin Ivory, along with a couple of cameos from Billy Jones and Josh Hancock, they continued to impress.

Another victory against Cokethorpe (22-12) – which saw them trail at half-time before then stopping a potential match-winning score and going the length-of-the-field for one of their own – and one against the Cedars (24-14), interspersed with a defeat to three-times champions Reading Blue Coat, meant the Warriors faced the latter in the final.

This set-up a contest which saw Warriors come up against some familiar faces from Rams Colts, and despite taking a two-try lead, the Federation were unable to build on their fast start and eventually the Sevens’ nous and experience of the Blue Coat boys saw them home 21-12.

Rams prop and LVS Head of Rugby Sean McDonnell-Roberts was impressed by what he saw, stating: “The 96 players involved produced some superb rugby throughout a busy day, demonstrating their physical prowess and tactical nous.

“It was a superb inaugural performance from the recently-formed Wokingham Warriors, and while it was a shame the boys fell at the final hurdle, a huge thank you to Danny Batty and Mark Pett-Ridge for bringing the boys over.

“It was great to catch up with some lads who I first coached since they were U13/14 – they’ve grown to be such athletes and fantastic rugby players. I look forward to seeing the Warriors return to try and claim the title in 2024.”

The Warriors’ kit was kindly sponsored by Performance Kitchen.

Wokingham Warriors Squad:?Callum du Preez, Cameron Oakley (both Bulmershe), Theo Pett-Ridge (Emmbrook), Finn Ivory, Ed Marsden (both Maiden Erlegh), Finn Moore (Piggott), Patrick Brown, Ollie McGlennon (both Forest), Nic Jessett (Farnborough College), Josh Hancock (Reading College), Jack Taylor (Apprenticeship – Green Keeper), Billy Jones (Employment – Barista).