Cranleigh’s Under 16B and Under 15B XVs both completed unbeaten seasons during Michaelmas 2023 and, in doing so, achieved an unprecedented double. According to www.schoolsrugby.co.uk, which, through SOCS, curates the results from schools all over the country, both teams finished the season ranked number one nationally in their respective performance leagues.
Under 16Bs
The Under 16Bs, captained by fly-half Jamie M. and coached by Mr Emley, played some outstanding rugby. The game of the season was their 37-34 victory over Eastbourne College Under 16As, which was a tremendous advert for schoolboy rugby. Mention should also be made of their exceptional performance against a very strong Epsom College team; having lost 36-0 to Epsom as Under 15s, they turned this round in 2023, with a 22-0 win. The pack was led by Dan A. and Will A. and the leading try scorer was Joe R.
Under 15Bs
The Under 15Bs, captained by scrum-half Jack R. and coached by Mr Neill, were a dominant side, with a powerful pack and a very quick and skilful back line. Their best performance came in the second half against a talented Hurstpierpoint team; having been tied 12-12 at half-time, they pulled away to win 31-12. They also produced a spirited performance in dreadful weather to defeat a strong Brighton College side by 27-15. Seventeen different players scored tries for the team; the leading try scorer was Noah M. with 14 and the leading points scorer was Jack W.
The two sides finished with a combined final record of Played 17, Won 17, Points For 712, Points Against 121 and they were recognised at the end of term assembly, when they shared the Barnsfold Trophy, awarded to the most successful team in the junior school.
