National Lambs Vs Irish IQ
On Sunday 29th January, the Lambs took to the field for the first time this season versus the tough outfit of Irish IQ, at Warwick School.
The Lambs, true to their philosophy, set the tone of being ‘fast and free’ playing expansively stretching the IQ defence. Finn Usher (The King's School in Macclesfield) being the creative spark to the Lambs attack. After a sustained period in the Irish twenty-two, a clever kick from Usher saw Liam Styger (Reed’s School) regather the kick to dot down. Usher added the extras 7-0 Lambs.
The opening passages continued in a similar vein with the Lambs hitting the ground running, minutes later Villimore Druma (West Buckland School) broke through the IQ’s defence throwing a magnificent offload which resulted in Albert Forman (Exeter School) extending the Lambs lead to 14-0. Despite the Lambs having the better of the first half Irish IQ demonstrated how clinical this side was, a break down the blind slide followed by some quick hands and a well-finished move to register IQ’s first points. 14-5 Lambs.
The Lambs, determined to rectify the missed tackles which lead to the IQ’s try, continued to spin the ball from ‘coast to coast’. A good break from Ollie Musk (Denstone College), created quick ball, which was pushed out to the touchline with Oli McMahon (Nottingham High School) finding Max Pattison (Sir Thomas Rich’s) who finished a well worked move off in the corner. In the dying moments of the first half IQ struck again.
Half Time Score: Lambs 19- 10 Irish IQ.
In the opening exchanges of the second half, Pattison showed his excellent footwork racing away from a chasing defence to score under the posts! 26-10 Lambs.
Irish IQ had clearly changed their tactics entering the second half, showing great line speed and cutting off passing channels, making it challenging for Lambs to play the Champagne rugby on display in the first half. The turning point was during the middle of the second half Irish IQ had a consistent period of pressure which resulted in Irish IQ scoring three tries in quick succession. Lambs 26-29 Irish IQ.
With six minutes left, the Lambs dug deep with Louie Mayall (Ipswich School) leading the attack with some fantastic carries. Despite Lambs best efforts they could not break down an aggressive and well-organised IQ’s defence. Perhaps guilty of trying to force play, created an opportunity for Irish IQ to capitalise on Lambs mistakes, scoring a further two in the last five minutes to take the game away from Lambs.
Full-Time Score: Lambs 26- 41 Irish IQ.
In a tale of two halves, with Irish IQ coming out on top on this occasion. Lambs' Man of the Match was Charlie Way (Taunton School).
National Manager James Vecchio ‘It was great to see the national side come together today, clearly a cohesive group with a great intention to play fast and free. Although at times the accuracy may not have been there- it is a great starting point for this side. An exciting season ahead, and many more memories to make!’
The Lambs now look forward to Sunday 5th February, when they take on Coventry Academy at Butts Park Arena.
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