Saturday saw the end of the 2015 rugby season and concluded one of the most memorable seasons in recent history.
This term the 1st XV won 14, drew one, with memorable victories against Epsom, Brighton, QEGS Wakefield and Merchiston Castle. They had a success rate of 83% and have won more matches than any other Cranleigh School 1st XV since pre-war times, scoring 475 points and conceding only 137. The squad went to one of the most prestigious tournaments in the country and won five out of their six matches against some of the strongest rugby sides in the country. Three of the current 1st XV have represented Harlequins U18 academy and Dino Lamb-Cona has played for the full Harlequins senior sevens side as well as the A league side.
The senior club (U18 1st – 6th XVs) were unbeaten in 76% of all their matches played, with the 6th XV winning all of their matches. The U16A’s won 66% of their matches, with notable victories against Brighton and Wellington College. The U15’s won the inaugural Cranleigh Varsity trophy and the U14A’s only lost twice all season.
Recent OCs Greg Batemen, Sam Smith and Will Collier have regularly been involved in Premiership fixtures for Leicester Tigers, Worcester and Harlequins. Sam Arnold has played in the Pro12 league for Ulster. Harry Elrington, Charlie Piper and Henry Taylor have all represented their professional sides of London Irish, Harlequins and Saracens respectively. Henry Lamont is the captain of the Oxford University side which includes another OC, Tom Stileman, in their Varsity match against Cambridge.
A R Houston
Director of Rugby