The Senior Boys Rugby season began last week with a game against Ramsey Grammar School, played at the iconic Mooragh Park pitch. A very inexperienced St. Ninian’s team had a tough time against a well drilled Ramsey who ran out 51-0 winners. Lots of positives to take from the game though with some of the Y11s performing exceptionally, in particular Peter Lloyd who made a series of big tackles to turn over possession.

The second game would be no easier, a trip south of the Fairy Bridge to Castle Rushen on Thursday. Head coach Mr. Kelly had asked for improvement from game one, which the lads showed in abundance! Helped by a full squad, team SNHS started brightly, however, the Castle Rushen pressure was too much and we were 22-0 down at half time. Euan Dean suffered an unfortunate broken nose with another two players also succumbing to injuries. The lads kept at it though and lead by a real stand-out performance by captain Stefan De Beer, he took a quick penalty and powered through 6 or 7 southerners to score our first try of the season. Castle Rushen ended up going over a few more times in the second half as legs tired from long periods of defensive work, the final score was 49-5. Ben Wilkinson and Cole Donnelly stood out as top tacklers as well as being a threat with the ball, but De Beer was the man of match with countless turnovers and meters gained!

Next match is away to QEII on Monday 1st November.

Mr M Kelly

Assistant Head of PE