Monmouth’s Under 16A Rugby team came desperately close to ending their season with some silverware, before narrowly losing a tremendous match against The Bishop of Hereford’s Bluecoat School in the North Midlands Cup Final on Monday night.  The match was played under floodlights at Hereford Rugby Club, and a large crowd enjoyed the wholehearted and skilful play of both teams. 

It was Bluecoat who got off to the better start with an early try, but the Monmouth defence held firm time and again and, as confidence grew, they mounted some scintillating attacks of their own, which saw both Asanji and Tom go close.  Both sides continued in the same fashion after half time with Monmouth enjoying a sustained period of pressure, brilliantly orchestrated by Dan and with Huw and Rhys particularly prominent.  Sadly, though, Zelig’s try came too late to overturn the Hereford lead, giving them victory and the trophy by 12 points to 5.

After the match, coach Hugh Tatham commented, “The boys are naturally very disappointed to have lost the match, but tonight has been a brilliant occasion and a great match between two excellent teams.  I am so proud of the boys’ efforts – both tonight and throughout the season.  To win 11 matches and only lose 2 on our tough circuit is a real achievement.  More than that, though, they have been a real pleasure to coach: the character and commitment they’ve shown, as well as the ambition and flair of their play, have been an absolute joy to see.  They’ve been a credit to themselves and to Monmouth School Rugby.”