Rugby and Lacrosse showcase at StoneX Stadium

Our annual showcase match for the 1st XV Rugby and 1st X Lacrosse team at the StoneX stadium occured this Wednesday.

This year, our 1st Rugby XV and 1st Lacrosse X returned to the bright lights of the StoneX stadium for a showcase match like no other. Facing tough adversaries with the roar of the Berkhamsted crowd behind them, our teams showed character and tenacity as they fought until the final whistle.

First to play was the 1st Lacrosse X, led by captain Emily S-J. An early Moreton Hall lead (who had travelled down from Shropshire especially for this match) set our visitors ahead, and their lead continued. While great goals from Thea K and Maya K chipped away at the scoreline, the match ended 8-18 to Moreton Hall.

“Moreton are a really good side,” reflected Emily. “They’ve got some really great players, and I think we can all learn something from today.”

Next were the 1st Rugby XV, who were set to play against Cranleigh School. Cranleigh started strong, and despite some top defending from Berkhamsted, stopping many a close call, the Cranleigh side snuck through. Berkhamsted didn’t give up, and forged through the second half with multiple tries to put the final score at 19-27 to Cranleigh.

“I think the second half was just amazing to watch,” captain Louis commented after the match. “I’m so proud of the boys, being so far down and still having the resilience and attitude to try and come back.”

Unwavering in their support of the Berkhamsted sides were our supporters, who chanted and cheered and whooped throughout both matches. A large drum manned by a group of sixth formers also certainly helped with our supporter volume. With pupils in attendance from Year 7 all the way through to Year 13, their support reminded us that our sport is part of a culture of togetherness, encouragement and championing each other- not just what happens on pitch.

Student musicians kept the vibe high, with contributions from Year 8 Boys’ band, Year 9 Boys’ band, Year 10 Boys’ band, Year 11 Girls’ band, and Sixth band. Rousing renditions of everything from ‘Sweet Home Alabama’ to ‘Sweet Child O’ Mine’ had our supporters singing along at breaks in play across the evening.

“It feels quite surreal, especially when you’re first running on the pitch,” Emily reflected. “It’s just such a nice environment to play in, because we know that the whole school’s backing us, no matter the score line,” Emily shared.

The two teams may have been disappointed to come away with two losses, but their determination to keep going in the face of defeat shows the resolute character that our players possess. As both teams found momentum in the second half to chip back at their opponents, they truly embodied our value, to Aim High with Integrity: their courage, focus and teamwork was outstanding.

Well done to every athlete involved, and to all of our supporters. An opportunity to play at a top rugby stadium doesn’t come around every day, and to see our pupils embrace this opportunity with such passion is fantastic to see. Whether singing in the stands, supporting each other on the sidelines, or giving it their all under the floodlights, team Berko showed what they’re made of: hard work, support, and unwavering character.