Head's Newsletter 22 October 2021

RUNNING RUGBY

opportunity to edge out their opponents with a last minute penalty from 35 yards out, however the ball sailed narrowly wide and the game finished 21 - 19 to the visitors. The disappointment from this defeat was compounded by the next result which saw Haliford School take the spoils 15 - 5 when they visited Grists the following week. A feisty game in which Tiffin couldn't play their usual expansive running rugby won't be one to remember. With the quality in the squad Andy Blackburn demanded a response, and that demand was answered a week later when Tiffin travelled to Gunnersbury Catholic School. Tiffin were fast out of the blocks and scored four first half tries with some impressive backs moves seeing Tiffin take a 26 - 0 lead into half - time. In the second half with the win secured the team couldn't bring the same energy, with the score finishing 26 - 12 in a comfortable win. Tiffin took this momentum into a big mid - week cup fixture against Grey Court School in the second round of the National Vase. Tiffin were again on the road but that didn't phase the first XV and the team put in a comprehensive performance to win comfortably 29 - 12. Stand out performances from centres Tom Armstrong and Soloman Yamin who both got a try apiece and looked a threat all game with ball in hand. The week later saw Tiffin slip to a narrow defeat against a strong Wimbledon College team in some terrible conditions. All focus is now on the third round of the National Vase which is this Wednesday away to London Oratory. Best of luck to the whole squad.

With rugby season now in full swing the weekly buzz of rugby at Grists on a Saturday morning is a welcome return to a sense of normality. After our opening three fixtures, TIffin has since come up against three tough block fixtures in Haliford School, Gunnersbury Catholic School and Wimbledon College. Special mention must go to both years 7 & 8 for their fantastic start to the year and performances at rugby festivals. Year 7 have regularly been fielding 6 teams per fixture, with over 72 students participating which is a fantastic achievement. Year 7 also put in a fantastic outing at the Surrey Rugby Festival which was held at RGS Guildford, with two wins, two draws and a loss against a selection of very competitive school teams. Year 8 continued this trend of strong performances at rugby festivals, with 3 wins, 3 losses and a draw at the U13 Surrey Rugby Festival held at Trinity School.

1st XV Spotlight - Everyone loves a cup run!

After Tiffin successfully defeated Emanuel School in the Daily Mail Trophy they next faced a visit from Gordon ’ s School. A scrappy game against a physical Gordons School saw the visitors take a narrow two point lead into the last 5 minutes of the game. Tiffin had the