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26 teams began the competition with action all over the county. It was a great week of rugby with lots of schools getting the opportunity to play each other for the first time.
There were some outstanding results from the schools that took part in the first round with lots of great tries and teamwork from all of the teams.
School teachers involved in the competition have sent in their match reports.
Chipping Sodbury vs. Pittville
On the 31st of October, Chipping Sodbury played the first u14 game of the tournament against Pittville. It was a very well matched game with Chipping Sodbury being forced to play in their own quarter for the first part of the game then Pittville smashed their way over the line. They did not succeed with their conversion attempt and the score was 5-0. Sodbury then ran back in full hope of winning the match with their heads held high and it was a fierce & well matched battle then suddenly Sodbury captain Ben Perrett dived over the line for a great try with center Luke Mundy kicking the conversion to edge Chipping Sodbury ahead. The rest of the game was a very intense and high pressured game with Sodburys players being forced to make lots of try saving tackles. In the last few minutes Pittville increased the pressure even more but Sodburys defence was too good and Pittville couldn't find a way through. Man of the match went to Sodbury winger Scott Parsons for his amazing tackling around the field. Final score 7 - 5.
Cotswold vs. Beaufort
The next match of the cup was Cotswold vs. Beaufort, it was a thrilling game which involved both teams using great set pieces all over the field and looking to score from every move. With the light rapidly fading, Cotswolds defensive teamwork was holding Beaufort back with some big tackles put in from the Cotswolds players. The Beaufort backs came at them with pace and determination but Cotswolds defence proved too strong and resulted in Cotswold winning by one try in a 19 - 12 victory.
Cirencester Kingshill vs. Dene Magna
This fixture was a game of 2 halves with both sides starting with a strong defence. There was huge amounts of great rugby played inside both teams 22s & the first half proved very close with it finishing 12 - 12. Dene Magna started the second half strongly by scoring a try just minutes after the restart. Kingshill regrouped well and played very attractive rugby and through strong forward pressure Kingshill were able to build momentum, scoring numerous break away tries. Man of the match went to Toby Bridgeman who finished off his spectacular hat-trick with a Chris Ashton style swan dive along with 5 conversions. Kingshill were in good spirits after the game & said they are very grateful to play in the cup and for the opportunity to play new sides they haven't played for.
Katherine Lady Berkley vs. Crypt School
Katherine Lady Berkley hosted Crypt in the first round of the EDF u14's cup, the sides had never met so it was sure to be a good game of rugby with both sides knowing very little about each other. The first few minutes saw both sides displaying their potential to play open running rugby. The game was very evenly matched with some great defence then Katherine Lady Berkley flanker Tom McAleese sliced through a gap after some great work from the backs. Crypt came right back at them from the restart using their wingers to play the wide ball. The last play of the half saw KLB put together a great string of passes to release Tom Freer to score with KLBs fly half getting both conversions to bring the score to 14 - 0 at half time. The second half saw Crypt come close to scoring numerous times but KLBs defence held out & showed sustained pressure and scored again. With 5 minutes remaining Tom McAleese rounded off his man of the match performance with one more try to bring the final score to 26 - 0 to Katherine Lady Berkley school.
Winchcombe School vs. Severn Vale School
The game was played at great pace for the first ten minutes as both teams tried to stamp their mark on the game with great passing, running & tackling. Winchcombe scored early on to settle their nerves and used this to boost their confidence & strength as they went on to score numerous times. Severn Vale competed very well in all areas of the game but failed to finish off some good moves due to Winchcombes solid defence, it finished 62 - 7 to Winchcombe.
The second round of games will take place on or before the week commencing 21st November. Please see below for the fixtures.
Pates Grammar School v Wydean School
Lakers or Whitecross v Thomas Keble
Brockworth v Balcarras
Chipping Sodbury v Chosen Hill
St. Peters v Cotswold
Sir Thomas Rich's v Newent
Katherine Lady Berkley v Archway or Rednock
Kingshill v Winchcombe
Report compiled by Reid Gallagher - Children's Commissioner's Takeover Day 2011
