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Day One of the National Schools Festival saw the sides play four group games, followed by a play-off, that set up the last sixteen for tomorrow’s Finals day. There were some big scores in the group stages, as the top sides this year made their mark on the tournament.

Reigning champions Wellington College waltzed into day two with some big wins against Marlborough and Monkton Coombe. They will meet another form side in Christs, Brecon, who also won all their games today and will certainly look to back their chances against the champions. Will Burton was superb for Christ’s'. Edgeley and Armitage will have to be at their best in what will be the game of the round.

Elsewhere, Epsom, winners of group A, will take on Sevenoaks. They enjoyed big wins against Ibstock and Downside. Group X winners Tonbridge, moved through to the round of 16 with wins against St. Johns and Corfe Hills, followed by a big win in the play-offs against Abingdon. Tonbridge, who will be looking to go one further than last weeks final at Surrey 7s, will take on Bedford who showed their determination in group Y.

The Oratory showed that they are a team to be watched. They had a big win over a strong Eton outfit in the play-offs, scoring 38-10. They will now play Kings Worcester who beat Sussex Open hosts Christ’s Hospital.

An interesting game tomorrow will be the match between Trent College and Cheltenham. Cheltenham won the tournament in 2003 and look like they will be challenging again this season. They had a hard fought win against Uppingham in the groups. They followed the group stages with a great win against Plymouth in a physical battle that finished up 19-12.

Last 16 Matches
Epsom v Sevenoaks

Kings Worcester v The Oratory

Trent College v Cheltenham

Wellington College v Christ’s Brecon

Clifton v Monmouth

Stowe v Denstone

Oakham v RGS Guildford

Tonbridge v Bedford