Our First Rugby Fixture Ever

The match between Strood Academy and Howard School is the first rugby match in the history of Strood Academy and what a match it lived up to be.

Strood Academy started a rugby club 2 years ago and we have been waiting for a game like this to come around for the same amount of time. The pupils were excited to represent their school and showed that in the match.
Right before kickoff you could sense an atmosphere of huge excitement but also one of slight nerves as the boys took their first steps into unchartered Strood Academy rugby territory.

Captain, Jordan Stubbington kicked off the game and immediately the Strood academy boys showed how much they have learnt from both their PE lessons and the extra-curricular club. In the first half our attacks were promising, with the two Halls-palmer brothers (Jack and Harry) both looking energetic in attack and solid out wide in defence. The forward pack of Keegan, Luke, Ethan, Ben, Josef, Tom, Alfie and Bradley showed their true strength going forward with some strong committed running whilst creating nice clean ball for the scrum half Frank Macklin at the breakdown. The great work from the forwards allowed Frank to get the ball out to the backs with some brilliant passing. The backs were well organised thanks to the captain Jordan Stubbington at fly half which helped the likes of Dom, Sam, Jordan J and Josh to cut through the Howard defensive line.

Then it happened, the forwards recycled the ball well for Tom B to break the line and run 45 metres to score the first try of the match with Jordan S adding 2 extra points with a great conversion.

Following the try the Academy boys then showed great defensive grit and discipline as they soaked up pressure from the Howard response. Strood were forced into a change shortly after with Jordan Jarvis being replaced by Josh Sellen who slotted seamlessly into the formation. Every Strood player laid his body on the line to thwart impressive Howard attacks. Dom B was notable in defence for some outstanding tackling. However he was not alone as the Academy team once again demonstrated that they do in fact listen in lessons and clubs by producing a committed tackling display.

Howard appeared to be shocked by the strength and organisation of the Strood team who gave away very few scoring chances in the first period. Half time came with Strood Academy deservedly leading by 7 points to 0.

It was expected that Howard would come out in the second half and really bring the game to Strood. They did not disappoint and continually tested the Strood resolve in defence. The Strood team again stood up and faced Howard head on, causing Howard to re-evaluate their attacking tactics.

Eventually the Howard pressure paid off. A neat exchange in midfield and a great run and overlap created the space needed for the Howard player to score in the corner. The subsequent conversion was missed leaving Strood still ahead at 5-7.

Howard then scored a quick second and in doing so took the lead 10-7. At this stage the Strood team’s inexperience could have caused them to drop their heads and implode as a team, making all their hard work meaningless.

However, this was not to be the case, as the boys showed great maturity and strength of character to once again come out fighting. The boys showed true valour as they matched Howard in every position.

In one defensive play, Luke M epitomised what the Strood Academy team were all about. As a Howard player broke through, Luke made an initial tackle only to be cleverly fended off. Instead of giving up he was up on his feet chasing down the player to make an incredible last ditch tackle denying Howard another score in the corner.

Strood then made two changes, bringing on Callum Shepheard and John Bell. Both produced committed performances and contributed to the solid Strood defensive cause.

With light running out and safety in mind it was decided to bring the game to an end. The Strood team had narrowly lost, but can be truly proud of what they achieved.

Mr Freeman and Mr Evans could not stop smiling and were exceptionally proud of every member of the team.

This is the first step and there is much to work on. But on this performance, the future of Strood Academy rugby is very bright.

Team line up: Keegan C, Luke Morris, Ethan B, Tom B, Ben H, Josef R, Alfie B, Bradley C, Frank M, Jordan S, Jordan J, Josh S, Sam R, Callum S, Harry H, Jack Ha, Dominic l, John B.

Here's a write up of the game, written by By Sam R, 8S:

The first half was a great start for Strood, every tackle and pass was ours - they didnt have a sniff at the ball did Howard. Then then breakthrough: Strood scored from a get run from Tom B, well done Tom. Then Tom gave it another go and got about 20 feet from the try line then someone tackled him - unlucky, then half time.

The second half wasn't the best from Strood, and not long in Howard scored to make it 7-5 to Strood. But Howard didn't score there conversion so it is still 7-5. From then on the Howard school score again to make it 10-7 to The Howard, but they still didn't take their chances and missed their other conversion.

Then a couple more great plays from Strood: Sam Ribbins with a great run if I may say so myself but still no try with 2 chances from him. Then the final whistle "ohhh no" Strood complained. Unlucky boys great first game and long may it continue.

Final score: 10-7 to them.