Match report: Hartpury outclasses Rand Park at Saints Sports Festival
A brave effort by Rand Park High wasn’t enough as England's Hartpury College’s well-drilled second team showed their class to win the friendly match 31–20.
St Stithians’ Baytopp Field was the stage for an exciting rugby match on day two of the Saints Sports Festival, as Rand Park High School faced off against England’s Hartpury College’s second team. The match ended 31–20 in favour of the English school, but the encounter offered both sides plenty to take home.
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Rand Park High got off to a flying start when right winger Nkosana Nkosi crossed the line in the opening minutes, scoring the first try of the match. The joy was short-lived, however, as Hartpury hit back quickly, showing their experience and strength.
The English team’s forwards dominated the physical battles, while their backs moved the ball with pace and precision. They used clever kicks, strong carries, and sharp finishing to take control of the game, going into halftime with a 19–10 lead.
Dylan Davis, Hartpury’s fly-half, said after the game: “It’s a new challenge being out here. It’s a different kind of rugby. The way they play is very different to how we play, but we were really up for it. The boys are buzzing.”
In the second half, Rand Park showed good spirit and grit. They defended bravely and created a few strong attacking moments. However, Hartpury’s discipline, structure, and patience allowed them to keep their lead and add a few more tries to seal the result.
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Rand Park’s coach JP Joubert remained positive after the game. “I think they’ll get confidence from that second half. We just want to try and start the next game better. The way we ended here is how we want to start.”
Hartpury’s Rob Fuller highlighted areas they want to improve: “Making sure we are alert first thing, and our transitions. We must get back into our defensive formation, because we know that time is very limited before the opposition is on top of you.”
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Though the scoreboard showed a win for Hartpury, the match was about more than just the result. It gave both teams a chance to test themselves, grow their skills, and enjoy the spirit of the game.
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