With Tonga basing themselves at Cranleigh School in August before the start of the rugby World Cup, the School was certainly on a wave of rugby excitement by the time the school season started. 
The 1st xv started their campaign with a pre-season training match against London Irish AASE College. This was an excellent way to start the season with the 1st XV outscoring the opposition by three tries to one. The 1st xv went on to win four other matches against the Gower, St John’s, St Bede’s and Epsom scoring 198 points and conceding only 24. Their performances have meant that the School has been ranked 2nd in the country which for a School of just 400 boys in an amazing achievement.
The 1st xv have also been in the national press with the Daily Mail hailing their performances this month. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/rugbyunion/article-3247654/Tonga-s-Rugby-World-Cup-team-boost-Cranleigh-Daily-Mail-Schools-Trophy.html
It’s been a great few months for rugby but with tough challenges ahead no doubt a lot more hard work will be needed.
There are three other sides who are unbeaten at the moment. The U14A’s, U16C and 3rd XV have all started the season brilliantly and the U16A team have won three and lost just once, including a
fine victory over Natwest semi-finalists Brighton on the first day of the season. The 2nd XV, 16B and 4th XV have won two and lost just once, meaning the first month of the season has been one of the most exciting for a number of years.
October sees the School play Skinner’s, Tonbridge and Shiplake with the 1st xXV also traveling to St Joseph’s National Festival in Ipswich to play the likes of Millfield.
Andy Houston
Director of Rugby
