So close as Seton Simon’s speed seals it

House rugby took centre stage on Wednesday February 6th when Senior teams representing Gosford, Grange and Seton competed in a hard fought contest to decide House Rugby Champions 2013. For the last 3 years, Grange have emerged comfortable winners and, as such, this year’s team were looking to make it four wins in a row led by Head Boy, Jamie Halvorson. Up first were Gosford and Grange in a head to head that saw the reigning champs run out comfortable winners against a plucky Gosford team. Mr Thomas and Mr Bennion could be heard from some distance away (Tranent) shouting on their respective sides but it was the blue of Bennion and Grange who prevailed. Next up were Gosford and Seton, with the speed of Simon Blair almost impossible for the Gold of Gosford to contend with. Poor Mr Thomas did his best to rally the troops but Simon’s pace alone made such a difference to proceedings and Seton ran out the victors…just in time for Seton’s own rugby fanatic, Mr Lanyon to appear with his Press Pass. The final was set up nicely to be decided with a 7 minute contest between 2012 winners, Grange and a likely looking Seton. The opening exchanges saw Grange’s obvious power advantage mean they had a fair bit of possession but challenges were being made all over the pitch by both sides and a titan struggle ensued. Seton endeavoured to try and get the ball to Simon Blair in an attempt at exploiting the stunning pace that undid Gosford with ease but Grange recognised this to be the main thrust of Seton’s game plan and made sure they countered this as a priority. Things could not be poised more closely.The game remained on a knife edge throughout and looked almost certain to be heading for a 0-0 draw until it was jinxed by the prophetic words of Grange Head Coach Bennion… “One try is going to win this” he said with all the foresight of a lottery predicting woman called Meg. And one try did. With literally 5 seconds on the clock Seton finally got the ball to speed merchant Simon with space and daylight ahead of him. Alex Caughey tried valiantly to track him down but Seton’s answer to Bryan Habana skipped swiftly over the try line and touch down whilst simultaneously Mr Thomas blew the whistle for full time. Game and rugby reign over. The House Team would like to thank all of the pupils and staff who came out to watch the competition and support their respective teams – the players appreciated it. A big well done to both Gosford and Grange who had the majority of the support on the day – with a big shout in particular for 1Gr1 who were there en masse to support their house. Congratulations to Seton and well done to Grange for making their fourth final in a row. Commiserations to Gosford but everyone appreciated the effort the players made to represent their side, even if rolling around in the mud isn’t their sport. (We blame their House Mentor). Finally, thanks to the staff who gave up their lunchtime to help referee, organise, take photos or marvel at Neil Manderson’s tights.

House Blind Date

In recognition of Valentine’s Day, the House Captains also intend to present their own version of Blind Date during the month of February. Unfortunately, the big day lands whilst we are all on Half Term holiday but this is not proving to be a deterrent and information about this event will be distributed to registration classes in due course. A video trailer to promote the event is being filmed as we write – watch out for it in registration and on the school website.

House Rugby Competition

The House captains, in conjunction with the school Sports Ambassadors, are organising an inter-house rugby competition to be contested on Wednesday 6^th February at lunch time. It is open to all pupils in S4-S6 and will take place in the school grounds, weather permitting. Any individual wishing to represent their House for this event should see their house captains as soon as possible. The captains will also be visiting registration classes in due course to collect names.