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more »Tonbridge triumphant at National Schools
After a gripping second day at the UK National Schools Sevens at Rosslyn Park, Tonbridge have been crowned Festival champions. The Kent school overcame defending champions Wellington College 24-10 in a close fought finale and were the dominant side throughout the two days.
Along with the two finalists, Oakham, Trent College, Cheltenham, Oratory (Reading), Monmouth and Denstone College all battled through to the quarter-finals.
Tonbridge faced their stiffest test of the day against Oakham in their last-eight clash. Playmaker Charlie Walker led the Leicestershire outfit through to the last-eight and was again in inspired form. But some tenacious Tonbridge tackling gave them a 14-12 win with Caspian Paget clinching the win – whilst injuring himself in the process.
Elsewhere in the draw Wellington won comfortably against a Trent College side who did their reputation no harm over the two days with a notable win over Cheltenham in the last 16. Monmouth made it to the semi-finals behind the tries of powerful winger Matthew Lovett and were finally joined by The Oratory School from Reading, whose key man was James McWilliams Gray.
Wellington win thrilling semi
The first semi-final saw Wellington take on the Oratory in what turned out to be the game of the tournament. In a true see-saw battle, Wellington showed true heart and courage to keep themselves with a McWilliams inspired Oratory.
Despite the Reading School being dominant up front and organised in defence, holes did eventually appear with Wellington’s Guy Armitage able to take advantage. Wellington failed to move further ahead though and was pegged back with the scores being two apiece at the half.
The Oratory shifted out the blocks quickest in the second half, turning quality possession into points with two scores that looked to be enough to carry them to the final. The second of the two scores came from a delightful chip from the ever-present Tayo Adesanyo, but this turned out to be the last time that Oratory crossed the Wellington line.
With time ticking down, Wellington worked their way down the field with some clever off-loading and scored with less than a minute to play, the extras were added with the 'Welly' boys keen to get the game restarted. After such strong play throughout the day, it was a mistake that was the undoing of the boys from Reading which saw Wellington awarded a penalty soon after the restart.
The quick-tap was taken and a delightful miss-pass to Darion Naylor gave Wellington the win 28-21.
Despite the tough loss Oratory Coach Tom Hennessey refused to be down about the Reading schools performance.
"We have had a wonderful tournament and we are delighted how the boys have played, it’s very sad to go out in the semi-finals in the way that we did, with a last minute try, but that’s the way it goes in Sevens”.
Tonbridge made easier work of their semi-final, booking their spot with 33-14 over Monmouth. The welsh School were unable to get a foot hold in the game with Tonbridge disrupting and frustrating their attacking options.
Tonbridge though, looked very efficient when they had ball in hand and Damilola Segun was always dangerous with speed that saw him grab a couple of early scores. Ben Ransom and Johnny Short also went over in a ruthless display that booked them a date with the defending champions.
The 1st VII coach from Monmouth, Paul Morris said after the game that he was pleased with the performance from the team from little expectations from the outset.
“We exceeded our expectations today. We picked up some injuries early on, which meant we operated with a bear 8 players, Matthew Lovett on the wing showed how dangerous he is, but it was a great all round team effort.”
Tonbridge edge 2009 champs
Wellington had come into the tournament struggling for form but had proven throughout the tournament how dangerous a side they are when given the chance. Tonbridge had lived up to the UR7s prediction of being a pre-tournament favourite, proving to be incredibly clinical in both their defense and offense.
Charlie Gordon gave Wellington an ideal start with an early score, but with the Berkshire school then getting a man binned, Tonbridge hit back with Patrick Liddicote’s try give Tonbridge a 7-5 advantage. Wellington replied though with Guy Armitage showing his impressive power, that has been honed at London Irish, to score under the sticks.
The second half proved to be a reversal of fortunes with Tonbridge exerting enough pressure to disrupt Wellington’s rhythm. As had been the case throughout the tournament Tonbridge were able to turn possession into points more clinically than any other side. Max Wilson was inspired in the second period and due to some great off-loading was able to go over for the lead.
Segun begun to turn the screw for Tonbridge and two barnstorming runs sealed the win. First he set up Johnny Short and then he finished himself to give the school their first National Schools Festival title.
After the game Tonbridge coach James Johnson were elated with the result.
“Really really delighted with the performance from the squad today, we beat some quality sides like Bedford and Oakham today and it was a fantastic squad effort,” said the coach.
The captain Henry Johnstone echoed his coaches thoughts.
“So proud of the boys. As a year group we got to the final of the colts and to win this today is a great result. We have been together for 5 years and this is a great ending to a great time at Tonbridge.”
Wellington praise winners
Whilst disappointment was the overall feeling in the Wellington camp, coach Kevin Brennan acknowledged that the best team in the tournament won the day.
“Credit to Tonbridge they controlled the game better than we did, in the end they deserved their victory. The best two teams got to the final and I think the best team won,” said Brennan.
Wellington captain Sam Edgerley was also pleased with his players after a grueling day of rugby.
"The day went really well and the boys gave it everything, the best two teams made the final the final was a great contest, Tonbridge played really well and good on them."
The festival competition proved once again to be a fantastic tournament in terms of both participation numbers and quality on the field.
Watch out for the UR7s Team of the Tournament next week where the players selected to the Festival team will be announced next Monday.
National Schools - Festival Day One : Tonbridge leads the way
Millfield's great form continues at Surrey Sevens
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