Mount House rugby teams were in Dorset at Sherborne Prep School last week

Sherborne 5

Mount House School 1st XV 51

IN this match, the XV carried on from where they had left off against St Michael's and played with much verve and confidence.

Five first half tries put the game beyond doubt and the incisive running of the three-quarters, particularly Freddie Cunningham, Rory Cumming, James Killingbeck and William Dawson, was of the highest order.

The most pleasing aspect of play was the way in which they reproduced the set plays they have practised time and again on the training pitch. 'Stithians', the fly half's favourite move - named after his home town - was particularly effective. No 8 Stuart Heale was equally impressive from the base of the scrum and caused Sherborne trouble all afternoon.

In the second half, the team was a little guilty of over confidence and despite adding four tries, it was disappointing to concede a try.

The introduction of replacements caused a certain loss of pattern in the play, but it was good to see Joshua Wheeler make his 1st XV debut.

Tries were scored by William Dawson (3), Stuart Heale (3), Rory Cumming, Freddie Cunningham and Tom Heal. John Williams kicked three conversions.

Sherborne Prep 12

Mount House Colts XII 14

PLAYING with the slope in the first half the Mount House side looked in excellent form. A wonderful dummy scissors saw Henry Cunningham open the scoring with a fine individual try.

A team effort doubled the lead, the forwards winning good ruck ball that was spun down the three-quarters for wing Jack Lawson to cross the line in the corner.

Never were Christian Maclaren's two conversions to prove more valuable. Sherborne, led by their excellent scrum-half, staged a splendid second half comeback.

Two tries were scored. The first was converted, but the second hit the crossbar to leave the visitors clinging onto the slenderest of leads. For the final ten minutes the team was forced to defend in its own 22.

That it did so successfully is a credit to all 12 players whose season is now back on the tracks.

l MOUNT House last week hosted the final U9s tournament of the term. In two previous tournaments the Mount House U9s had been unbeaten, winning all their eleven matches.

A biting wind, with occasional sleet, was hardly ideal weather for small boys to play rugby, but the numerous and noisy spectators could not fail to be impressed by the standard achieved by all the competing teams.

Mount House's dream of an unbeaten season disappeared in the first match. They were outplayed (10-19) by an excellent team from St. Peter's, Lympstone who were to win the tournament.

This reverse was followed by two wins over Wolborough Hill (22-21) and Treliske (41-0).

The final match of the afternoon was against Plymouth College Prep. In a wonderful game, full of strong running and good passing, the visitors took the lead only for the hosts to score in the dying moments to leave the match drawn 7-7.

Mount House tries were scored by Rory Oxenham (8 ), Bruce Fulton (3), Sam Goldstone, Jack Morgan and Oliver Durant. Alex Jones (4) and Goldstone added the conversions. Other members of the team were Charles Mann, Tom Lawson, Doug Newman,

This tournament was a delight for players and spectators alike and thanks are due to Eric Willcock, for preparing immaculate pitches in difficult circumstances, referees Rob Morse and Edward Gent and tournament organiser Lee Barnard.