On Monday 9th December, players, coaches, friends and family all came together to celebrate the success of the whole-school rugby programme over the autumn term.
The evening was well-attended, starting with a drinks reception in the Refectory. I must thank and congratulate Phyllis, Marija and the catering team for putting on a fabulous reception and to the estates team for turning things around so quickly.
The reception is a great opportunity for the coaching staff to meet and greet players and their families and to reflect on the highs and the lows of the season. Some fantastic photos were on display for all to enjoy; credit must go to the coaches and parents for sending them in and in particular Mr C Lyttle and Mr R Sinclair who have been regulars on the 1st XV and U15A side-lines.
The Hampden Hall was at full capacity, with players from across the age-grades U11B to 1st XV all in attendance. Parents and supporters filled the remainder of the hall and the gallery upstairs, creating such an incredible atmosphere for the boys involved.
The prize-giving kicked off with a brilliant video of the junior rugby tour, produced by Sports Coach Miss Carla Johl. The video provided an insight into the day-to-day life of the tour for the 67 boys and five members of staff involved to reflect on and for the entire audience to enjoy.
As with every year, the evening is about the players and as such was driven by the boys who produced and delivered some cracking speeches. Particular highlights were those of Hill form pupils Douglas Goss and Moses Inyundo. Both boys demonstrated great courage and confidence in speaking in front of such a large audience and their peers at such a young age. Well done also goes to 3rd XV Captain Billy Hughes for his light-hearted but heart-felt words.
One of the biggest victories for the rugby programme this season has been highlighted by how much fun the boys have had, how much progress they have made in their teams and the genuine gratitude shown by the players for the time and effort that their coaches have put into the delivery of the rugby programme.
The evening, as always, is signed off with the 1st XV prize-giving: an emotional affair with several of the team finishing their time in the Blue & Gold of Emanuel. Players from across both the Lower and Upper Sixth were given colours and half-colours respectively. This was followed by 1st XV Captain Oscar Wainman’s reflection on the season and his rugby journey at Emanuel School.
1st XV Player of the Year was awarded to Jack Seymour. 1st XV Break-through Player was awarded to Jude Todd-Warmoth and our Core-Values Player Award went to Finlay Frank (1st XV Vice-Captain). The prestigious Dick Woodall Trophy went to 1st XV Captain Oscar Wainman in reflection of his services to the school and to rugby both on and off the field.
Oscar and Finlay’s final act as 1st XV Captain and Vice-Captain was to hand over the 1st XV jersey and match-ball to the next in-line, entrusting the team and everything it stand for to the new 1st XV Captain and Vice-Captain: Charlie Sinclair and William Craigie.
We look to the spring with eager anticipation and excitement surrounding our U15As, who are still in the RFU Schools Plate, to the middle and senior school sevens programme, and a little tour to South Africa for 26 lucky seniors in the summer of 2020.
Mr Gaynor (Director of Rugby)