History Made for Somerset Spartans Rugby

Fifteen of our Somerset Spartans Rugby players made history this month, running out onto a very saturated and boggy Bond Pirates rugby field to accomplish a Somerset Rugby first. A composite Under 17 rugby team, led by coach extraordinaire, Mr Spence Attoe, has entered into the local Under 17 Metro Cup Competition.

The premise being to increase our students opportunities and experience in rugby and hopefully reap rewards for the future by having more battle-hardened and knowledgeable rugby students.

The game itself was a torrid affair with torrential rain and a pitch more reminiscent of a 100 metre swimming pool rather than a grass rugby playing surface. At best, most kickoffs went a mere two to three metres before the referee wisely opted for a punt style kick to start and restart the match. The Somerset team started well with a good grubber through by Outside Centre, Fergus McKeon for flying Fullback, Ashton Govenlock to pounce on the slippery ball just inside the dead ball area.

The difficult conversion attempt was waived away and the team led 5 nil against their more fancied opponents. Bond Pirates quickly levelled the score-line and then edged ahead with a fine conversion from out wide. The half ended with a narrow 7 to 5 deficit.

The positive halftime chat and watermelon from Jack Helliers dad, Stuart was welcomed and the team capitalised on the renewed enthusiasm to score from close range, with Patrick Sowerby diving over after continued pressure on the Bond try line. Will Lynch, slotted the conversion from out wide and Somerset had a defendable lead, 12 to 7, given the atrocious conditions. The remainder of the second half was a topsy-turvy affair as each team struggled to mount any continued pressure with the weather conditions making handling incredibly difficult.

With time up on the clock Bond Pirates were awarded a penalty and elected to kick for touch. The ensuing line-out was only 20 metres out from the Somerset try line. Bond won the line-out cleanly and then retained possession for what seemed like an eternity. The Somerset defence was resolute and kept repelling their forward runners attempting to drive over the line. However, the eagerness of our defenders eventually succumb and Bond were awarded a penalty right in front of our posts. The Bond Pirates captain smartly chose to shoot for goal to win the match. The penalty sailed over the uprights and the Pirates celebrated a lucky escape, 13 points to 12.

The disappointment did not last long as our boys were congratulated on their history making feat and the spirit in which they played the game was also the prominent focus. Needless to say our first foray into club rugby was an undoubted success and we look forward to our next match against Nerang Bulls at Griffith University Knights on Saturday 1 August at 11.40am.