Academy Under-18's Rugby team beat Queen Elizabeth High School to progress to Round 4.
Macmillan Academy 22-7 Queen Elizabeth High School
Macmillan Academy were entering this game under no illusions of the importance of this fixture. Historically, the Academy has always been heavily defeated in past encounters.
Considering the weather conditions, in spells the game was played at a good intensity with both teams showing ambition and willingness to attack with intent. Early periods of the game were contested ferociously; however attacks would generally break down due to either the ball being knocked on or effective counter rucking from the opposition. Adam Nolson continued to pose a threat in the centre running hard at the defence at every opportunity, allowing Carl Kirwan to get the ball in threatening positions.
Macmillan’s attacking pressure almost resulted in an early try; Peter Homan’s cross field kick was unfortunate as Ben Woods was beaten by the unpredictable bounce of the ball over the try line. The first try came from Macmillan putting together several phases of play, Carl Kirwan then ran a fantastic line to receive a try scoring pass from Pete Homan. Adam Phoenix converted the try.
Macmillan Academy 7-0 Queen Elizabeth High School
Immediately from the kick off Carl Kirwan was back in action with a powerful run direct through the heart of the oppositions defence. The ball was then moved wide to Chris Dobby who was stopped just short of the line. Queen Elizabeth showed character and determination in their defensive approach; Macmillan worked hard for their second score, the destructible Steven Cook grabbing the ball from a fast ruck and diving over the line for the second score.
Macmillan Academy 12-0 Queen Elizabeth High School
Shortly before half time Macmillan were awarded a penalty just in front of the 10m, Adam Phoenix stepped up to kick an excellent and worthy three points.
Macmillan Academy 15-0 Queen Elizabeth High School
In the second half Macmillan lost momentum slightly, resulting in a scrappy affair. However the commitment was evident, along with the desire to close the game out for a victory. A magical moment from Ben Woods was worth the wait, from retrieving a kicked ball, Woods used fast feet to stand up his man and glide past him, his pace allowed him to get in behind the defence, with one defender to beat he used speed and power to hand off the defender and coast in under the posts for an outstanding individual effort. Adam Phoenix converted
Macmillan Academy 22-0 Queen Elizabeth High School
In the dying moments a lapse in concentration allowed QEHS to score a consolation try which was converted.
Macmillan Academy 22-7 Queen Elizabeth High School
Macmillan progress to the fourth round of The Daily Mail U18s national competition, possibly the last comprehensive school to do so, they now face Crossley Heath from Halifax on 26/11/08.