Friday Night Lights

The big rugby event of the season was held at Reading Rugby Club on Friday 2nd December with Friday Night Lights kicking off at 6.30pm. It was a much anticipated match against St Joseph’s and one which the 1st XV have been training for since September. It is a real highlight of the autumn supported by an enthusiastic crowd on both sides and a great atmosphere. Luckily the weather stayed dry, if cold, and spectators were treated to hot dogs, burgers and hot chocolate as they watched the game unfold. There was plenty of cheering for LP as the match concluded 43-0.

Head of Rugby and 1st XV Coach, Ellie Smales, was overjoyed with the boys’ efforts: “After 7 unbeaten league games, the boys and the coaching team were looking forward to putting on a show for their family and friends. The boys played the best I have seen them play all season; cohesive from the start, playing for each other, following our game plan and elevating the level of physicality they brought to the game. The score at half time was 12-0. Despite a positive start I knew that they had a lot more to show in their locker. With some fresh legs brought on to the pitch the boys began to unfold, scoring try after try. To note was an impressive hat trick from captain, Billy. The boys had a great time, and are already looking forward to next year’s Friday Night Lights. LP take on Reddam House in the final this Wednesday, hoping to finish their season unbeaten. It has been a pleasure to coach them over the last term. They have grown into fantastic rugby players, but more importantly have continued to grow into mature young men who play not only for themselves, but for each other and the bigger picture.”

Ben (Lower Sixth) said the team worked hard for their victory, explaining, “The training for the match was well thought out and introduced us some key moves. When I walked onto the pitch I felt confident that we would get the win. Our success was driven by our comeradery and our belief in ourselves. When I heard the final score I was so happy and I started focusing on making our undefeated season 10/10.”

Duncan Laurie-Pile, Maths teacher, who was supporting the team from the sidelines commented, “It was an impressive performance and a fabulous level of support. The boys were focussed, ambitious and creative. The other team didn’t really stand a chance! Standing on the touch line was a bit of resilience test as it was bitterly cold but that didn’t stop the LP crowd cheering the team on whenever they got the ball!”

Director of Sport, PE and Wellbeing, Simon Bradbury, enthused, “Friday Night Lights was a great event not just because of the positive score line for LP but for the performance by the team and the atmosphere created by a large crowd. It really was a great spectacle and a huge well done to Ellie and Sam for organising the match, venue, officials and opposition.”

James (Lower Sixth) was delighted with the result: “I was proud of the score and our win however I wasn’t surprised because of all the work we had put into for this moment. I was buzzing when I first stepped out onto the pitch with everybody around watching. I feel the training for the match has certainly improved since the beginning of the season. There were a couple of moments when we lacked players during training but still held together and improved in our skills throughout all weather types. The strength of some of our players and training outside of school to improve our skills has made a big difference and that every player put their part into where we got to really contributed to our success.