In a landmark game for the team, Old Pats U15 secured their first-ever league victory at Bournside.

With a squad of 22 players bolstered by the return of Freddy M and George, the game was fiercely contested especially with Old Pats players, Harry and Will D, going up against schoolmates from STR’s School adding an extra layer of friendly rivalry to the occasion.

The match got off to a dramatic start as Old Richians capitalised on an early opportunity, charging down a clearance kick after just two minutes to take an immediate lead, which they duly converted. Despite this early setback, Old Pats responded brilliantly. Their determination showed as excellent rucking and swift handling in the backs created an overlap, allowing Tris to finish superbly. Barney calmly slotted his conversion to level the scores.

As the game progressed, Old Pats began to apply increasing pressure. A powerful sequence of play involving Harley, George, and Freddy M nearly resulted in another try, but a well-placed clearance from Old Richians temporarily relieved the relentless assault. The OP’s front five, led by the dynamic front row of Jack, Freddie B, and Harley, started to dominate the scrums, creating opportunities that frustratingly took time to fully exploit. Persistence paid off when Riley, chasing down his own kick, forced a turnover that led to an Old Pats scrum. Barney then delivered a pinpoint kick to the corner, setting up more pressure deep in Old Richians territory. This culminated in Freddy M powering over for a try under the posts, which was converted to give Old Pats a 14-7 lead.

Old Richians showed resilience and made some valiant last-ditch defensive efforts, managing to keep the deficit to just seven points as the teams headed into the break.

HALF TIME: Old Pats 14 – Old Richians 7

The second half began with a frantic, end-to-end 10 minutes, characterised by a series of knock-ons from both teams as they battled for control. Old Richians, having swapped their front row for a smaller, more mobile unit, disrupted Old Pats’ rhythm in the scrums, but eventually, Old Pats adapted. A smooth passing move orchestrated by half-backs Beau and Barney set up centre Will, who burst through the defensive line to score under the posts. The conversion extended the lead to 21-7.

Despite the growing advantage, Old Pats found it hard to put the game out of reach. Old Richians, refusing to give up, mounted a series of attacks, forcing Old Pats onto the back foot. One crunching tackle from Sid drew cheers from the OP’s supporters and epitomised the defensive grit required to keep Old Richians at bay. However, the sustained pressure eventually paid off for the visitors as they crossed the try line for a deserved score, though the missed conversion left them chasing the game at 21-12.

As the clock ticked down, the match remained tighter than Pats coaches and supporters would have expected it to be. There was more frantic play from both sides but Old Pats weren’t done yet. In the dying moments, a barnstorming run from Freddy M broke through the Old Richians defence, creating space for centre Will to slice through and score his second try of the match on the final play. Although the conversion was missed, the try sealed a hard-fought, and first league victory for Old Pats.

FINAL SCORE: Old Pats 26 – Old Richians 12

Overall, this was a performance full of heart with several standout contributions. A special mention must go to Louis, whose leadership as captain continues to shine, as well as Freddy M for his relentless energy and powerful running. It wasn’t always polished, but the result marks a significant step forward for Old Pats U15, and they’ll be looking to build on this performance in the coming matches