The pinnacle of the Merchant Taylors rugby first XVs season. A 7pm kick off under floodlights against Reading Bluecoats, a formidable opponent that for the last 3 years had denied Taylors their much-wanted victory in front of the home crowd, but not this year.

Booming music was resonating across the floodlit pitch as the Taylors boys ran through the human tunnel of boys, parents and staff that formed the formidable fans that would put in an incredible performance themselves from the side lines. As both teams lined up in front of the fans an air of nerves was evident, expectations were high for this team; some brilliant performances in a number of successes in recent weeks had crafted a sense of hope in these boys.

After a one-minute remembrance silence the first of the many chants erupted across the ground, with fans quite literally surrounding the pitch support was felt from angles. The match was underway, and an exciting start had amassed, yet Taylors took their first set back of the match as they were bundled over the line by Bluecoats which was converted to a 7-0 lead for Reading. Taylors took it in their stride and drove forwards with power creating incredibly positive play to drive Reading back to 5 yards off their own try line but a single small handling error on Taylors behalf was costly, giving way to an opportunity for Reading that was capitalised on with expertise. Despite the best efforts of Taylors wingers and full back a spectacular 95-yard carry from Bluecoats saw them extend their lead to 14-0. Despite the set back Taylors found their first points in a sweetly taken penalty. A little later, the half time mark was hit but Taylors had possession. 3 minutes of pounding attack was slowly deteriorating the Reading defence, but a swift sling of the ball right allowed for the Taylors winger to slice through the reading defence and give a glimmer of hope to Taylors as they went into half time 14-8 down.

Spurred on by the crowd, particularly the for once beneficially rowdy year 11s, the boys entered the second half with a winning tenacity that would prove crucial in their battle. Despite this a penalty was tucked away by Reading that extended their lead to a 9-point advantage. Taylors were quick to apply pressure though; a smart piece of initiative from the scrumhalf saw Taylors slice the Reading advantage down to only 2 points. Taylors momentum struck again as they forced the ball through the Reading defence to go 20-17 up with 10 minutes remaining.

Taylors pressure on Reading continued to mount and the final blow was dealt in a spectacular set piece that manipulated the Reading defence with expertise; sealing the deal and crowning Taylors, the rightful victors.