On Wednesday 17th November, Burford School played Chipping Norton School in the U15’s District Rugby Final.

The weather made for some very difficult conditions, but both teams played some outstanding rugby in what was a very closely contested match.

The first try came from Burford with Callum Godfrey picking up the ball on the five meter line and driving through the Chipping Norton defence to score. Shortly after, Chipping Norton scored with a breakaway try and converted to make it 5 – 7. Chipping Norton then broke the Burford defence to make the score 5 – 12 but just before half-time Burford equalised with a cross field kick caught by Tom Hemming who scored in the corner. Ted Landray then converted to make it 12 all going in to the second half.

After a tight first 15 minutes to the second half, Tom Hemming picked up the ball at the back of a ruck and burst through the Chipping Norton defence to score his second try. With two minutes to go the Chipping Norton fly half stuck a perfectly placed kick over the Burford defence which bounced back into his hands to run in over the line, which they then converted. This left the score at 17 – 19 to Chipping Norton going into the final minute of the match.

In the final seconds of the match Burford were awarded a penalty for handling in the ruck just inside the Chipping Norton half. The Captain Ted Landray stepped up and kicked a 35 meter penalty to win the match 20 - 19.

Well done to both teams for making this such an exciting and exhilarating match.

Based on information supplied by Jane Edwards.