Blue Coat has two championships under its belt, following the success of our U14a rugby team and our girls’ hockey team.

The U14s are county champions following one of the biggest games they are likely to play: the County Cup Final against Pangbourne College on 10 December. It was an extremely tough first half and, after 15 minutes of intense contest, the ball had yet to enter either side’s 22m line. Following a short stop for injury time, Blue Coat scrummaged and broke away, gaining and keeping territory, though they were unable to convert it to points, with knock-ons and penalties close to the Pangbourne try line. Our U14s were the first to concede, with Pangbourne returning the Blue Coat mistakes with a try, to take a 5-0 lead. We replied with a high kick-off and a quick turnover from William P. Hard running from James S and composed phases directed by James N and Alex G saw the side level the score at half time.

Leading into the second half the our U14s set targets of a ruthless defensive attitude, a composed and hard-hitting attack, and for each player to bring their utmost into what was the most defining half of rugby this season. They did exactly that. Allowing Pangbourne no more than five phases with the ball before a jackal, a counter-ruck or a crunching tackle to turn it back over, we built our defensive pressure brilliantly. Each possession gained was met with hard running lines, soft and accurate passes to space with support play taking them over the gain line every phase. The team played the best half of rugby of their season: 7 turnovers, 4 tries, 6 positive scrums, 3 positive mauls, 24 points in 25 minutes, and 1 County Cup Trophy lifted after the final whistle. The final score was 29-5. The Man of the Match was: Every player from numbers 1-21, each excelling and playing their best rugby, resulting in an outstanding team performance. – Mr Barrett, U14A coach

The next day, our girls’ 1st hockey XI drew 1-1 with Leighton Park in the Super Hockey League finals at Reading Hockey Club – so both teams share the win and trophy for the season. Congratulations, girls!