Felsted Rugby Teams Progress to Semi-Finals of The Daily Mail Vase

Congratulations to both the First XV and the U15 XV who have both progressed to the semi-finals of The Daily Mail Vase! The U18s won 15-13 against Sheldon on Wednesday 6th February. The U15s also won their quarter-finals, beating Katharine Lady Berkeley's School 27-5 on Friday 8th February. Both teams now go on to the semi-finals.

Both the Vase Semi-Finals will be played at Coventry RFC, Broadstreet, with the winners both progressing to Twickenham on the 23rd March 2013. 

U18 Semi-Final: Felsted v TBC, Sunday 3rd March
U15 Semi Final: Felsted v Emanuel School, Sunday 10th March 

Felsted 1^st XV

After the heroics of the last 16 game staged at Saracens’ new ground The Allianz Stadium, Felsted 1^st XV travelled down to Chippenham, Wilsthire on February 6^th to try and earn the right to get to the Semi-Final of the Daily Mail Vase. They were met by an all-together different environment and one that was going to test the 22 players. Sheldon School, who had progressed well to the Quarter-Final stages, is a large school in Chippenham that also sources players in the 6^th form from the neighbouring school. The first thing noted by the squad was the expanse of playing fields that stretched across the site. However, it was no surprise to find a very small rugby pitch tucked in the corner of the school, as due to it also being the football term, it was the only pitch available. Strangely, it was the very same pitch they had played Marlborough on back in September! So home advantage was clearly on show and the Sheldon boys were a very competitive, strong unit. They were made up of club players who knew the game plan on what was very much a prep school pitch. To add to the intense atmosphere that surrounded the pitch was a gale force wind blowing down the hill.

Felsted played against the elements in the 1^st half and it was clear to see that once you found yourself in your own 22, you needed to be prepared to dig in and make your tackles. Covering the pitch was not an issue, but clearing your lines was certainly a struggle. Sheldon hit Felsted with their physical pack and for the boys to only be 3-0 down after 20 minutes was a great credit to the team spirit. Infringements were costing the side and after a yellow card for repeat offences, Sheldon crossed the line and converted before adding a further penalty to lead 13-0 at half time.

The conditions were certainly a key factor, but to turn things around the XV were in need of more composure and certainly more ball. The considerable wind was now aiding Felsted and it was clear that Sheldon were going to try and dig in and protect the lead. This was really the first time in the game that Felsted had put together any phase play and it was starting to open up the defence. After a period of pressure, Felsted created space in the backs for Hugo Chaplin to pop up from hooker and chip through for Charlie Wood to cross on the right wing. The conversion was missed, but after one simple kick, Felsted found themselves back in Sheldon’s 22.

After another period of pressure, where it was a surprise not to see Sheldon receive a yellow card for scrum infringements, Man of the Match William Brown crossed the line after a powerful drive. Max Malins converted and Felsted found themselves 12-13 behind with 15 minutes to play. It looked inevitable that Felsted would take the lead as the conditions were tough going uphill into the wind. Felsted were guilty of not taking two further chances to score tries, although one may have been unfortunate as Josh Hunter-Jordan touched down, but the key moment was missed by the official. However, full credit must go to Sheldon, who managed to keep the ball well with their pack and deny Felsted the ball they needed to gain regular territorial advantage.

Sheldon spent time attacking and the tackles made by the Felsted XV were crucial and needed. The game was in the balance and after a turnover under the posts, Felsted cleared their lines and gained the territory they needed to launch more attacks. With 5 minutes to go Felsted were awarded a penalty just inside Sheldon’s half and due to the pitch dimensions Max Malins took the kick on. He produced a nerveless penalty to put Felsted 15-13 up with time running out. Felsted managed to keep Sheldon deep in their half for the remainder of the game and it was with jubilation, and no little relief, to hear the final whistle.

The Sheldon boys and staff, although devastated to lose the game, were very gracious in defeat and in truth it was a game that could have gone either way. The elements surely played a part and it was certainly not a pretty game of rugby, a contrast to the previous rounds that saw plenty of flowing rugby. 

Felsted U15
Felsted Under 15 progressed into the semi-finals of the Daily Mail Vase with a fine win, 27-5 over Katharine Lady Berkeley School in Gloucester. On a small, muddy, sloped pitch Felsted dominated the first half. The forwards worked hard to turn over ball and maintain possession. Simon Holmes was everywhere putting in immense tackles and closing down the opposition. Three clear chances were spurned with the vital last pass going to ground. However after going through the phases combined with some slick passing from the backs, Alex Gilham was able to score in the corner. The half time score was 5-0, with the game still in the balance.

Felsted started the second half strongly. Early pressure in the opposition 22 resulted in a penalty, which Jiffy Lennon slotted over. From the kick off Felsted attacked and again, after good work by the forwards and quick hands by the backs, Stefan Warner scored in the corner. Again Jiffy Lennon converted from the touch line. Katharine now came back strongly with Felsted defending stoutly. It looked like Felsted had weathered the storm, but a kick ahead with the bounce favouring the opposition resulted in a try. The conversion was missed. Felsted now raised their game with the backs finding space. Alex Jackson's breaks were reaping dividends. More good hands and strong running enabled Matt Lumb to score with the try being converted. In the final move of the game, Alex Gilham scored in the corner to bring the final score to 27-5. 

The semi-final will be played on March 10th in Coventry against Emanuel School. Man of the match was Simon Holmes.