Author: L. Crankshaw

Rugby Report: Graeme College vs Union High xv

On Saturday, we faced one of the top rugby schools in the Eastern Cape, Graeme College. The final score was 51–10, a tough result that reflects not only the strength of our opponents but also the challenges within our own team.

From the outset, the boys were intimidated—and understandably so. Fear translated into poor defence and a lack of ball possession. Graeme controlled the game, forcing us to defend for nearly the entire match. While a few players stood out with brave, hard-hitting tackles, too many others played as passengers, relying on teammates to do the work. This mind-set is disheartening, especially given the hours we dedicate each week to addressing problem areas. Rugby, like life, is about choices: choosing discipline, choosing responsibility, choosing to step up when it matters most.

The truth is, rugby is more than just a sport. It teaches lessons about teamwork, discipline, and resilience. You cannot succeed alone—you need teammates, just as in life you need friends to help you through struggles. It asks whether you can work hard when no one is watching, whether you have pride in your effort, or whether it’s easier to shrug and say, “I don’t care.” These are the values that make schoolboy rugby so important.

We had opportunities to change the game. Twice we intercepted the ball with clear chances to score under the poles. Had we converted, we would have added 14 points and shifted momentum in our favour. Instead, we faltered, lost hope, and performed worse as the match wore on. This is where grit comes in—life will always present moments to prosper, but it is how we seize those opportunities that determines whether we thrive or fail.

Perspective matters. It is easy to complain that life is tough, but there is always someone worse off who still finds joy and positivity. Rugby mirrors this truth: setbacks are inevitable, but growth comes when we accept responsibility, step out of our comfort zones, and refuse to blame others. We did not lose to Graeme College because we cannot win; we lost because we set ourselves up for failure. Until we change our mind-set, results will remain the same.

This defeat must serve as a wake-up call. Rugby is preparing us not just for matches, but for life itself. The question is: when will we learn, and when will we take responsibility?

Other results (UHS scores first):
U/11B: 0 – 47
U/11A: 15 – 22
U/13B: 0 – 52
U/13A: 17 – 50.
U14: 7 – 38
U15: 6 – 62
U16: 3 – 68
2^nd: 12 – 51