Purbeck were put into the higher level of the competition due to the experience of some of their players in the squad, but the team did include multiplayers that were either new to rugby this year, on having never played before. The biggest success point was that all 14 players in the squad scored a try across the 6 game in which they played, with some of the players deliberately not scoring themselves to give others chances to score. This emphasised the key ethos of the tournament and showed a huge level of maturity and respect for each other as students and friends.

Purbeck started well against Leweston School but unfortunately lost by a try 6-5. Purbeck then turned on the style to beat Oak Academy 6-2 with first tries ever from Henry Harris (aka Big Henry), Sophie and Leah (eventually she learned that the cones signified the edge of the pitch. Purbeck then played in a re-matched Leweston match which predominantly involved girls, with Leah scoring her second of the afternoon. Abi England would have scored more than once, but slammed the ball down as if touching down an American Football. She learned from her mistake and went over in the corner a few minutes later. Purbeck won the re-match 3-2. Then Purbeck went full strength in the only ‘boy only’ game of the afternoon against Lewston boys in a ‘friendly’. Purbeck showed their muscle and power winning 7-1 in a 10 minutes game, including not only a hattrick from TJ Shearer, but an eloquent side step which made another students fall over! At this point Jess Dale was the only player in the 14-player squad not to have scored, but her moment came instantaneously in the first few minutes against Trafalgar. Purbeck ran out winners 4-2 and therefore finished runners up in Dorset.

Overall a lovely, positive and enriching experience for all students involved. We will definitely be entering more tournaments like this in the future.

Mr Tarbard

Team: R. Elliot, C. Keefer, W. Wright, H. Wright, J. Brickstock, J. Mcleneren, T. Dunn, TJ Shearer, J. Dale, L. Hilton, S. Bugler, A. Macey ©, H. Harris, M. Parker, A. England.