The first game of the season was a mouthwatering encounter against highly fancied Dame Allan’s. QEHS travelled with only 16 players, meaning there was only one substitute to call upon.
However, the 16 lads were phenomenal. They were ferocious in defence, clinical in attack and they really took the game to Dame Allan’s. The home team took the lead 10 minutes in, despite an excellent effort to hold the ball up by captain Callum W. QE responded 10 minutes later after a sustained period of pressure, resulting in great work from Cameron S who put in George W who beat his man on the outside to score under the posts, with Henry H adding the conversion to make it 7-7. However, 2 minutes later after a mistake in the midfield, DA managed to work the ball wide and score in the corner to go into half time with a narrow lead.
QE came out flying in the second half and scored with an excellent team try which started under their own posts. They turned over dangerous DA possession, moved the ball left before coming back infield and some silky offloads from Freddie, George and Cameron set Lewis B away from the halfway line to score under the posts and lead for the first time.
The lads held this lead up until the last 15 minutes before the numbers took their toll. After playing such a high intensity throughout the game without being able to replace players, and with injuries to key players in the latter stages, they ran out of steam and conceded a couple of late tries, taking the final score to 33-14.
The lads were outstanding and they can look forward to a rematch later in the season, and will fancy their chances with a full squad. Before then, however, they will enjoy hosting the county cup competition at Tynedale RFC on Tuesday.
Respect. Engage. Aspire.
