Schools do battle in opening league fixtures

The Digicel Middle School League kicked off last week with Dellwood taking on Sandys and Warwick Academy hosting Saltus Grammar. 

It had been a difficult few days for the rugby community with the sudden passing of coach Devrae Noel-Simmons. As such, the scheduled game of TN Tatem v Whitney Institute was postponed.

Sandys, under the guidance of experienced coach Chris Naylor, have been consistent performers and Dellwood coach Patrick Calow knew his team were in for a tough challenge in both the Under-12 and Under-14 games.

Dellwood fought back after a tough start with some abrasive running from Xa-naje Degraff–Cyruss and Tukijie Eve, however, they struggled to take their chance.

Khyree Hollis was a thorn in the Dellwood side all afternoon with great footwork and excellent pace, and he was rewarded with a try mid-way through the game. 

This was added to by Thomas Westhead to make the final score 10-0 to Sandys.

In the Under-14 match-up, Sandys were the dominant team from the start with early tries from Yizariyah Williams (2) and Ethan Fubler.

Dellwood, who were missing a few experienced players on the day, did their best to compete with some excellent defense from Kenyadae and Keshun Butterfield.

However, some barnstorming carries from Kenjae Smith, Sekai Wainwright and further scores from Rayne Kowalchuk and Jerziah Dill put the game beyond Dellwood. Final score was a 35-0 victory to Sandys.

On the same afternoon, Warwick Academy hosted Saltus Grammar. 

Inexperienced Warwick Under-12s were understandably cautious at the start. Saltus ran hard but tough hits and solid defending allowed Warwick to grow into the game.

Jamin Hodgkins Joe Watson and Najiyah Raynor took control, creating gaps in the Saltus defence and it was not long before Warwick scored.

In the second half, good tackling and constant pressure from Sebastian Cronin and Jack Thorpe allowed Warwick to shut out the opposition and the skill and experience of Joe, Kris Cameron and Jamin meant the game finished 15 scores to 2.

Warwick Under-14 side found themselves up against a much larger and physical Saltus side and, due to late withdrawals, had to play the game without any subs.

Eventually the pressure on the Warwick defence told and they conceded the first try of the game by Saltus’ Cameron De Ste Croix. 

This shook Warwick into action and hard running by Adam Kiernan and Sean Tucker and good link up play from Steven Camara and Matthew Daniel got Warwick back into the game with a good score. Hard running from Kristian Singh saw him score in the corner  to give Warwick the half time lead.

Saltus hit back with a Blair Blakeney try, which brought the score to 4-4. Warwick hit back again with two more well-worked scores but Saltus crept back in to the game, scoring with the last move of the game by Dylan Somerville to deny Warwick the win they had worked hard for. Final score 6-6.

It was a good end to a difficult week for the Youth Rugby family. Our most heartfelt sympathies go out to Sue, Dante and the rest of the Noel-Simmons family.

Reports submitted by the league.