“A game we will never forget”: QE beat Habs in a memorable night at StoneX

QE’s First XV last night beat friends and traditional rivals, Haberdashers’ Boys’ School, in a thrilling encounter under the lights at Saracens’ StoneX stadium. 

With a gritty, disciplined performance, the QE team secured a hard-fought 12-5 victory. 

Congratulating them, Headmaster Neil Enright said: “It was an inspiring experience for our students to play in the stadium of one of the world’s best club sides, and the match befitted the setting in its fierce but sporting competitiveness. 

“The support for both schools – including many current pupils, alumni, staff and other friends – added to the atmosphere and sense of occasion. We are proud of the performance of our players and are delighted that they secured the win.

“Many of those from Year 13 have committed themselves for seven years, with most having been new to the game when they started at QE. They have developed athletically and technically, but also as teammates and young men: their mutual supportiveness and their camaraderie has been notable.” 

QE’s Head of Rugby, Oliver Di-Lieto, reported that the game had been intense from the first whistle, with both sides showing determination and skill.

“QE struck first, when Victor Varbanov produced a brilliant show-and-go [dummy pass] to break the defensive line and score. He calmly converted his own try, giving QE a deserved early 7-0 lead. 

“Habs responded strongly, crossing the line for their own score. Although they missed the conversion, the gap narrowed to 7-5, setting up a tense contest. 

“Momentum swung back to QE when Timi Banjo delivered a moment of magic, slicing through the defence for a superb solo effort. The try extended QE’s advantage to 12-5. 

“From there, the match became a defensive battle. QE’s backline and forwards worked tirelessly, with Jake Owens and Yashwant Sunkara leading an outstanding defensive shift that kept Habs at bay. 

“In the dying moments, Habs mounted a final attack, but QE’s captain Krutarth Behera produced a heroic effort to hold up the ball over the line, denying what would have been a game-changing try. 

“Having combined attacking flair with resolute defence, our boys secured a memorable victory.”     

Fresh from that victory, captain Krutarth said: “It was an incredible performance from all the players and a fantastic last match for all the Year 13s. A game we will never forget.”

Player of the Match Yashwant Sunkara said: “It was a very physical game and we knew we had to play at our best. Every player worked their socks off and I am so proud we managed to get the win.” 

Before the First XV took to the field, the two schools’ U15 sides also played, with Habs winning 31-20. 

 First XV squad 

1. Alvin Xu, Year 12
2. Krutarth Behera (Captain), Year 13
3. Simardeep Sahota, Year 13
4. Edward Muscat (Vice-Captain), Year 13
5. Abubakr Shofolahan, Year 13
6. Sharvesh Sudhagar, Year 13
7. Oscar Kaltenbronn, Year 12 
8. Thinuka Kapugama Geeganage, Year 11
9. Victor Varbanov, Year 12 
10. Aadam Aslam, Year 13 
11. Ubaidah Rahman, Year 13
12. Jake Owens (Vice-Captain), Year 13
13. Yashwant Reddy Sunkara, Year 12
14. Louis Miller, Year 12
15. Thomas Young, Year 12 
16. Akira Norimura, Year 12 
17. Kyaan Syed, Year 12 
18. Ishan Nakadi, Year 12
19. Martin Machytka, Year 13 
20. Esa Aslam, Year 11 
21. Timi Banjo, Year 13 
22. Yashinth Sivananthan, Year 12
23. Faaiz Adil, Year 12
24. Tristan Fink, Year 13

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