Year 5 and 6 Tag Rugby Tournament
As the wind howled and the rust tinged autumn leaves swirled on a bitter and blustery Thursday, the Year 5 and 6 Tag Rugby Team of Porters Grange stepped onto the turf of Warners Bridge rugby field, the home of Southend Rugby Club. With limited training under their belts, the team rallied together before the first game, the opening battle against Richmond school. Porters blitzed ahead into a solid lead, Captain and team leader Denzell (of Stingray class) bagging a brace of tries; spearheading an impressive attacking display with Kaitlyn (also of Stingray) also grabbing herself a try as Porters cruised to a 3-1 opening win.
The impressive attacking flair continued into the next encounter, against Barons Court. Porters were imperious in attack and defended ferociously, to shut out Barons Court completely. Star man Denzell showing his class as he ran in a hat trick of tries, Kaitlyn again added the cherry on top with an extra score as Porters stormed to a 4-0 win.
With the wind in their sails and confidence ever growing, Porters next opponent was the highly coveted team from Hinguar School. Full of pace, talent and attacking threats, Hinguar stormed out of the blocks and swept to a rapid 2-0 lead. Porters rallied like warriors, determined not to let the game evade their clutches. With a burst of pace and power, Ruslan (of Year 5 fame) and the man of the hour (Denzell) gave Porters a lifeline - bringing the score back to 2-2 at the break. The second half was a back and forth battle of attrition, with neither side willing to give an inch. Captain Denzell running in yet another try after Hinguar scored themselves meaning the exhilarating contest ended 3-3 at the final whistle. A poignant example that determination and teamwork can rival pure ability in any situation.
As the second round of fixtures began, Porters again faced Richmond. The awesome Porters, in a very dominant performance, ran in an incredible 6 tries. Denzell, Ruslan, Ashley, Katilyn and Amara all crossing the white wash to dot down for tries. A truly breathtaking display, with Porters bulldozing their way to a 6-0 thrashing of the opposition.
In another equally dominant display, Porters swept aside Barons Court once more, with Ruslan and Denzell scoring well worked attacking tries. The highlight of the bunch was a simply incredible run by Mark (Stingray) who picked the ball up from his own try line, before turning on the after burners and running the entire length of the pitch, leaving a trail of defenders in his wake, before scoring a phenomenal solo try as Porters breezed to a 3-0 win.
In the final contest of the day, against the equally dominant Hinguar team, fatigue and errors took a toll, as Porters felt the sting of defeat for the first time. Eventually losing 4-1 in a lung busting game of back and forth action with the some sharp passing on the wings being the deciding factor. Denzell – working hard to inspire his team - again scored a consolation try for Porters. Despite their first loss, by no means did Porters heads drop as they performed admirably - testament to the fact that sometimes it is important to lose, to remember just how good winning feels.
It was a truly wonderful display of teamwork, respect and talent from all of the rugby team; setting a wonderful example of just how well behaved our pupils are. Well done Porters!
