Head's Newsletter 11 February 2022

GIRLS’ U18 RUGBY

The Tiffin 1st XV girls ’ team (fondly known as the Three Fishettes) started their 2021/22 season with a mixed training session and “ pre - season ” practice game with Reigate College and Reigate Grammar back in November. Neither school quite knew what to expect, but our first taste of competitive rugby was invaluable even though the game itself unfortunately ended in a draw after two breakaway tries from Freya (Yr13) and Talia (Yr12). However, the Fishettes came back fighting after the Christmas break and went to play Dartford

Grammar for their first full game of 15s. Unbeknown to the Fishettes, Dartford Grammar are the reigning Kent 7s champions, a well - established squad and had been unbeaten this season. Nevertheless, Tiffin showed immense focus, competitiveness and applied their excellent structure on both sides of the ball to score their first try within the first 5 minutes. Tiffin were relentless and kept the opposition in their own half for the remainder of the game. This resulted in 5 more tries including a further 3 tries for Freya (Yr13), another for No.8 Lexi (Yr13) and an interception try for Anna (Yr12) for a resounding final score of 32 - 0 to Tiffin. A week later, the Fishettes played a triangular tournament against Trinity School and a mixed Reigate side. Trinity took on Tiffin first and caught our girls cold with a quick try off a recovered kick - off. Tiffin responded well though, controlling the remainder of the game and using the space well with 2 beautifully worked tries for Anna (Yr12) and fullback Caitlin (Yr12), ending the match with a score of 10 - 5. Reigate were next but quickly conceded 2 Tiffin tries. Tiffin ’ s speedy backs won them 3 more tries, and when the final whistle blew the score was 25 - 10 with an astute pick & go try from captain and scrum - half Lia (Yr13), another try for Anna (Yr12), a powerful run from Maya (Yr12) and two pacey runs from winger Talia (Yr12).

The girls closed out this half - term ’ s work with a full fixture away to Trinity School again – arch rivals of Tiffin School. The Fishettes were caught cold however and they gave away two tries early in the game. After some fighting talk from Trinity, the Tiffin girls focused on their fundamentals and once again reinstated control of the game responding with six unanswered tries. The Fishettes have been unbeaten so far this season, and look to continue this form in their last remaining 15s fixtures against Reading Oratory and a home game against Robert Clack on 23rd March, as well as their upcoming 7s season. Of course, none of this would have been possible without the coaching and support from Mr. Brown, and the whole P.E. department, who helped to create a formidable team out of complete beginners. A special last mention should go to fly - half Anna Johnstone (Yr12) for her selection to the Middlesex U18 team. The first of many of our girls

to play at a higher level I am sure. Lia Leonard, Girls 1st XV Captain