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MATCH REACTION: 'TO WIN THE CUP IS PRETTY WICKED'
Man-of-the-match Fin reflects on Under 16s' final success!
MAN-OF-THE-MATCH Fin Wells described winning the OBB League Under 16s title as ‘pretty wicked’ as his side overcame a talented Newbury side 18-12 in another Old Bath Road cracker.
In a season which has seen so many fabulous encounters on the main pitch, there was one final stunner in which the U16s battled their way to silverware.
And Bohunt School student Fin – who suffered an injury-hit campaign before coming back to shut down the outside centre channel in a manner reminiscent of Rams’ legend Stevie Bryant – said: “It’s not bad and I can’t complain.
“To win the cup is pretty wicked. We’ve put in the hard work at training every day, and to come out – despite a tough first half – with the win was great.
“Their physicality in the first half was unbelievable, but then we got in their faces and cut down the penalties which managed to turn the tide, and then the atmosphere was great and we’re all so grateful to everyone who came to watch.”
A Rhys Smith score put the hosts in front before Newbury struck back to lead 12-5, only for wings Aaron Lamb and Ben Parsons to both dart over in a second-half in which Rams were the stronger side.
Newbury remained a threat throughout, but with Luke Thorpe slotting a penalty, his side claimed the title to wrap up a wonderful season across all age groups for Rams.
The U16s now move into Colts rugby and Fin is excited for what lies ahead, also paying tribute to the spirit his group of mates have.
He ended: “Hopefully the future is bright and some of the lads have been here since Minis – I came here a bit later – but we’ve grown up together so the bond we have is so tight.
“We want to keep moving forward and I’d love to think there are more good things to come.”
Captain Aidan Pugh added: “Our discipline cost us a bit in the first half – we gave a few too many penalties away – but I always thought we’d come back as I back our skill levels.
“It was a bit nervy going into half-time down, but that first score in the second half was a moment where everyone calmed down a bit and we got into our rhythm.”