Peter Symonds women’s and men’s rugby started the new season with some impressive performances at the Association of Colleges National Qualifying tournament, played at Camberley Rugby Club on September 30.
The day proved to be a successful start to the season for Peter Symonds. The women’s squad securing comfortable wins over Esher and Reigate colleges and gave a determined performance against the tournament winners, Worthing. The men’s team beat Reigate, Brockenhurst, Farnborough and Barton Peveril colleges to reach the final to play against Worthing College.
There were some excellent moments during the day but two stand out and it’s hard to describe them as other than “moments of magic”.
The first was provided by Emily Phillips-Strudwick, whose track-down and tackle on the flying Worthing wing was so technically perfect, that it would have been commented upon in any broadcast. The chase, brace, wrap, slide and return to feet, was quite simply, on another level.
Not to be outdone, in the final of the men's competition, Rhys Thomas provided his own moment of magic. Worthing had capitalised on a squandered opportunity by the Symonds team. Worthing, who were hoping to have a clean sweep on the day across both the men’s and women’s competition, picked up the loose ball and prepared to celebrate taking a second half lead.
The try was all but scored when, as if from nowhere, Thomas obliterated the hopes of the Worthing team with a wonder tackle. The pace he showed to close down the space before grappling and turning the scoring Worthing player is best described as incredible.
It was a defining moment that enabled the Symonds team to secure a winning start to the season, with the added honour of having the opportunity to represent the South East England Colleges at the National Association of Colleges’ National Championship Finals, to be hosted at Nottingham University in April 2023.
Head of Peter Symonds rugby, Mike Marchant, said: "The players in both squads did things today that they can be proud of. Across the board they have set a standard for themselves and both Wilko (Tom Wilkinson, Peter Symonds coach) and I salute their determination and today’s individual and collective achievements."
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here