The Old Oratorian rugby team, The Oratory Cardinals, were in action again over the Easter break as an Under 23 side took on Reading Abbey U23s at Abbey Rugby Club. Made up of boys who left between 2017-2021, twenty five of them took to the field with many more watching on the sidelines.

In a hotly contested encounter, The Abbey edged it 24-17. Having fallen behind, Iwan MacRae (2017) brought the scores level midway through the first half. The Henley Hawks winger showing good power to bundle his way over from close range. Frustratingly, the first half ended with The Abbey regaining the lead. However, The Oratory responded well after the break. Jack Mather (2019) touched down in the far left corner before former Club Captain, Toby Winterbottom (2021), ran a beautiful line off fly-half William Cassar (2020) to score under the posts. Cassar duly added the extra. At 19-12, confidence was high and the side were playing some good rugby but a charge down brought The Abbey level before a late score in the right corner gave the hosts an unassailable lead with a minute to go.

Head of Rugby, Mikey Hennessy, added “It was a brilliant evening and great to see so many of the old boys back playing and even more on the sideline watching.”

The Rugby Club are hoping to host the next Old Oratorians match on Saturday 10 September. Details will be circulated but please contact Mikey Hennessy (md.hennessy@oratory) should you require more information.