The season started under new management and on the ‘field of dreams’ - as opposed to foreign shores. To prevent injuries occurring, preparation was solely based upon fitness and improving skills throughout pre-season. Gradually a group of young enthusiastic players began to mould into a cohesive squad. Our first ‘domestic’ fixture was against Nottingham High School. Eventually we were deserved winners 24-6 but our hosts had certainly tested us. It was an early sign of our ‘metal’ as a squad! Our game plan had pulled us through.
Next up was Old Swinford Hospital. They were a very capable and confident side. It was apt that this should be one of the team’s best games as we brushed them aside 25-10. The score didn’t reflect our dominance but it had been an excellent all-round performance. The following week witnessed the arrival of King’s Worcester, who were beaten 25-5. Some early pressure put the game beyond their reach and then the Solihull side took the foot off the pedal.
Against King Henry VIII a young, inexperienced side took to the field, with a few positional changes also thrown into the equation. A recipe for disaster one could say. But not so! As time passed, confidence grew and the side gelled together. Final score – a 41-3 victory. On a cold, wet and windy day a Solihull 1st XV brightened up the day at Loughborough with some exhilarating rugby. The interplay between forwards and backs was outstanding. The fifteen comfortably beat Loughborough 44-0. This was possibly the performance of the season, particularly under the adverse weather conditions.
Adams Grammar School proved to be a robust side who tested us physically and applied sound pressure. The players dug deep and won a hard fought game 20-10. It was perfect preparation for our round 3 Daily Mail match at King Edward’s Aston. In a similar game the school deserved a close 13-9 victory to put us in round 4.
The following Saturday saw Royal Grammar School Worcester visit Solihull, for what was possibly the most thrilling encounter of the season. Having set the early pace the fifteen let RGS Worcester back into the game on several occasions but managed to clinch a 32-25 victory.
With injuries now causing us a few selection headaches and various key players involved in representative trials, the next two games were to be testing. The first saw us manage a 13-0 victory at KES Birmingham but the local derby against Warwick was to be our first defeat of the season, losing 5-17.
The defeat against Warwick put some doubts in the minds of the players as we went into round 5 of the National Cup at Old Swinford Hospital, a team we had previously beaten. A degree of complacency and the occasion getting the better of some players saw us sadly exit the cup with a 10-24 defeat. A disappointing end to a promising campaign!
Having dusted themselves down, the team then went on to put in sound performances to beat Trent College 37-0, Camp Hill 45-3 and Newcastle 33-21. Young players stepped up to the mark and stated a claim for a shirt next season. The 26-20 victory over Bablake was the final game of a successful season!
The sevens’ season proved to be a lottery! Having entered five tournaments, it was satisfying that the squad performed well in the two National competitions. At the Fylde North of England sevens, we were about to win our group when snow resulted in abandonment. The Rosslyn Park sevens saw us ease through our group as winners, playing a style of sevens to be admired. Due to our draw we then had to play one further game against Ampleforth to take us in to day 2. Sadly it was one game too far and we exited the competition losing 3 tries to 1!
All players involved with the first XV should be proud of their achievements this season. With only two players leaving this year, next season is very promising.
Special mention should be made of Aki Davies for his sterling work as a Captain, both on and off the field. I am immensely grateful – very well done.
Thank you and good luck to all players. We now eagerly await our tour of South Africa and the new 2006/7 season.
Mr P R Jackson