Taylorian 2020

81 2nd XV With four players from the uber-successful 2018 2nd XV vintage gaining promotion to the 1st XV and seventeen having moved on to university, 2019 was certain to be a ‘re-building’ season for the squad, whilst still seeking to supply the 1st XV with fully prepared and well- equipped players whenever required. With many of the group familiar and fit from the summer tour, the campaign began with the narrowest defeat to new adversary Dulwich. Dominant wins followed over more familiar adversaries Watford, UCS, and MCS. With form dipping against AGS and St Benedict’s and a disappointing result against RBS on the Friday of Rugby Week, the squad needed a lift, and a gritty, tight victory at Oratory served the squad well. A reverse at Reed’s and a heavy loss to St Albans were a disappointing end to the season. Performances over the term were up and down, but the ‘full match’ commitment and a ‘never say die’ spirit seldom waned, and overall the campaign was a successful one, with the squad members punching their weight throughout. The power of the team’s middle 5 will no doubt see further promotions to next season’s 1st XV, whilst a large number of players have gained valuable 2nd-string experience which will stand the squad in good stead for 2020. Mr N Lambert Squad: S. Aggarwal,M. Aina, S. Contantine, S. Duggan, J. Goldie, J. Gunusen, C. Hassan, M. Horne, C. Horridge, T. Johnson, D. Jones, L. Lee, S. Lee, V. Mastin, S. Patel, R. Petitt, A. Quraishi, A. Ranauta, B. Smart, P. Singh, K. Takhar.