MOUNT Kelly first team put up a good fight in the quarter-final of the Natwest U18s Schools’ Bowl against St George’s College, Weybridge, Surrey last week.

The eagerly anticipated match was fiercely contested from the outset with Mount Kelly exerting early pressure in the opening exchanges in the first quarter to rattle the visitors. Despite managing to break the St George’s defence on several occasions their scrambled defence remained resolute to deny Mount Kelly the opening score.

The visitors then started to find their rhythm and scored several well-worked tries to take a 17-0 lead at half time.

In the second half Mount Kelly rallied, demonstrating resilience and determination to produce an excellent second half per-formance, outscoring their opponents by three tries to two with Leon Horn, Marco Balzenelli and number eight Benjamin Dunlop all crossing the line.

However, it was to be St George’s day and they deservedly went on to win 31-15.

The Mount Kelly first XV squad should be proud of their efforts after going toe to toe with a physical and well drilled side.