County victory for school rugby team

Rugby players at Springwood High win the Norfolk County Under-18 Rugby Sevens competition.

The Sixth Form team from Springwood High triumphed in the contest despite being new to the format, winning against Reepham High School in the final, which was held at Gresham’s School in Holt.

“Highlights of the game included players from Springwood playing for Reepham, who had sustained injuries and couldn’t play, at their suggestion,” says Staff Coach Chloe Lister who worked alongside Head Coach Seth Charlesworth.

“It was the first time that Springwood had taken part in the competition,” Miss Listers adds. "Each member of the team got pitch time on a new format of the game they were playing, as we had never played sevens before.  The players received the Under-18 Sevens County Plate, which has now been engraved with the school’s name.”

Springwood celebrated the team’s success with a special awards ceremony, complete with pizza and individual prize certificates.

Those receiving additional honours included Captain’s Player of the Year, Finlay Russell; Forward Player of the Year, Ben Tennant; Back Player of the Year, Theo Morrell; and Coach’s Player of the Year, Chris Tooley; while Rhodri Jordan was named Staff Coach’s Player of the Year; Kip Charlesworth was Team’s Player of the Year; Lukas Miskinis won Try of the Year; and a second accolade went to Finlay, as Most Improved Player of the Year.

Among the other key members of the winning team were Captain Barney Kivlin and Vice Captain Thomas LaRoiya, along with Zack Collins, Pacey Phelps, Rocky Dawe, Reuben Lloyd-Jackson, Caleb Stoker, Callum Bristow, Dominik Hoyza, and Harry Skinner.

“I’ve always enjoyed watching the sport, and watching some of my other family members play is what got me into playing the sport, which is when I discovered my love for it,” says Pacey Phelps.  “I play because of the teamwork it brings out in people, and the feeling you get when, even if we lose, you know you played well."

“I started playing rugby in Year 7,” says Vice Captain Thomas. “Since then I’ve joined a club and won a county title under my captaincy.  My journey has seen me narrowly miss out on a school county title, but this year I’m determined to change that. I’m aiming to lead the team to become the best state school team in Norfolk for rugby."

While a dozen of the boys remain at Springwood for the coming season, the school is currently recruiting new players to join the Sixth Form rugby team.

“Rugby is important at Springwood, as it is a highly inclusive sport that welcomes everyone, regardless of size and previous knowledge,” continues Miss Lister. “It helps to develop so many different skills for students, both physically and socially. It creates a bond amongst the team, whilst helping students to learn respect and self-discipline in a highly competitive and high-speed environment."