The rugby programme had its busiest week to date last week, with our U14s, U16s and U18s playing at the HSBC Rosslyn Park 7s, followed by an 18 man senior squad heading up to Cumbria to participate in the National 10s festival at Sedbergh School at the weekend.
The U14s had great victories on day one beating Caterham College, Prince Henry Grammar School and Wycliffe College. This meant they qualified for the Cup competition on day 2. Here, they faced a strong Clifton College and Wellington College side which resulted in two defeats. The experience the squad gained on these days will be vital to their development as a group and will put them in a great position when they play as U16s.
The U16s began their Rosslyn Park journey with two good wins against QE Barnet and St Peters York. Sadly they fell short in their final group game which saw them lose out on qualification to the knockout stages through points difference.
The 18s performed brilliantly across both days to finish as National Cup Semi-finalists. Victories on day 1 against Hartpury College, Warwick School, Dulwich College and Samuel Whitbread Academy meant they qualified into the Cup competition. On day two, the squad then beat a strong Hampton College side as well as beating a powerful Clifton College team. After a few injuries, the squad had a quick turnaround to play against eventual winners Wellington College. The team can be incredibly proud of their journey and they now know what it takes to become winners.
Finally, the U18 side travelled up north to Sedbergh to compete in the National 10s festival on the weekend. The squad competed well and recorded wins against Brighton College, KES Bath and Kings Macclesfield. This meant the squad qualified again into the tough Cup competition.
A tough start to the day resulted in a narrow 7 point loss to Barnard Castle. The boys then played exceptionally well in wet conditions to beat QEGS Wakefield 14-12. The final game resulted in a loss to Kirkham Grammar School who were the eventual winners.
The rugby department are incredibly proud of all the boys but special mention must go to our Year 13s, to whom we wish all the best as they leave the school and pursue their careers.
Mr Ford and Mr Greenhall
