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Traditional school Rugby powerhouses Wellington College and Millfield warmed up nicely for next weeks National Schools Sevens going head to head at the Daily Mail RBS Surrey Senior Schools Sevens.

Both sides blazed through their pools in the lead up to the final but it was Wellington who prevailed in the end sneaking past a skilful and well organised Millfield 19-12 to take the crown at Richmond Athletic Ground. They were perhaps aided in their win by the knowledge of Director of Sport Steve Shortland, who formerly was head of PE and coached at Millfield for a decade.

“We were aware of their pace, so stopping them getting outside us was the key,” said Shortland.

“We forced a couple of turnovers and scored tries. But it was a great final and I think we saw two of the best schools sevens sides in action. It could have gone either way. It's a tough task physically to win a one-day sevens tournament but both finalists barely drew breath in their seventh game, a tribute to their fitness.”

Millfield struck first when James Cromwell put Miles Mantella away for a try but Wellington skipper Christian Lewis-Pratt made a typical surging break and although stopped short, held on cleverly before supplying the scoring pass to Ben Hayes. Lewis-Pratt added the extras.

Wellington's plan was not foolproof and Ollie Lindsay-Hague put Millfield ahead again with a scorching run from his 22 and they led 12-7 at half time.

They pressed from the restart and it could have been all over if Wellington had not forced Luke Flower into touch. It was a steal by Guy Armitage, younger brother of England players Delon and Steffan, which turned the match as the ball eventually found Liam Hanna who raced over from 50m to level the scores.

And it was Armitage's one-handed pass that set up the winning score for Gbade Adewole, who showed he's no slouch by beating the cover defence on a run from the 10m line.

Lewis-Pratt converted again and there was still time for him to snuff out the last moment of danger when he put Mantella into touch.

The two sides won’t get an opportunity to resume their rivalry at the National Schools Sevens though with Wellington College entered in the ‘Festival’ (for one-term schools) and Millfield operating in the ‘Open’ event (two-term rugby schools).

DAILY MAIL RBS SURREY SENIOR SEVENS

Qtr-finals: Colston's 14 Eton 10; Wellington College 29 Tonbridge 19; Truro College 15 Millfield 40; Filton 19 Coleg Sir Gar 45.
Semi-final: Colston's 12 Wellington 24; Millfield 36 Coleg Sir Gar 7.
Final: Wellington 19 Millfield 12.
Plate Final: Tiffin 33 Richmond College 14.