Double Success For Exiles U-20s
The Exiles Under-20s travelled over the last two successive Sundays to play the Army Development (Under-23) XV and Oxford University Under-21 XV, enjoying wins on both days.
On Sunday, October 30, the Exiles Under-20s had a resounding 28-7 victory over the Army U-23 XV at the Army Rugby Stadium in Aldershot.
That was aided by terrific performances from the front row of Tom Margetson, Tom Crozier and Kieran Ball, and it will come as no surprise to learn that they are all former underage internationals – Margetson for the Ireland U-18s, Crozier for the England U-16s and Ball for the England U-16s and Ireland U-18s.
Tries were scored by full-back Sean O’Brien, lock Tom McDonough, and tighthead prop Ball. Out-half Alex Kerr added two conversions and three penalties.
On Sunday, November 6, a changed Exiles team visited Iffley Road to play the Oxford University Under-21s. Whether it was a result of the changes, or playing a team who played together regularly, the Exiles found themselves 17-0 down at half-time.
This turned into the proverbial game of ‘two halves’ as the Exiles came back strongly to win 19-17.
Tries by right winger Tom Chellow, left winger Tom Westlake, and inside centre Rorie Day, with two conversions from out-half Kerr saw them claim a deserved victory. The stand-out player was Exiles scrum half Scott Gibson.
The respective managers were Nick McDonough and Andrew Browne, and the coaches were Sam McKinney (both occasions), Paul and David Dunne and Peter Halsall.