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After two days of blistering sevens in the mixed weather conditions Millfield School were the last team standing after beating St Josephs 17-10 in the Colts competition at UK National Schools.

Quarter-Finals

The quarter-final stage saw the top schools compete with one another and included the standout match of the day between the eventual champions and Judd School.

Judd had the most of the possession throughout the game as Millfield defended resolutely in the pouring rain. Coming back from tries down to the make the score 10-14, Judd attacked the Millfield line for the final three minutes of the game but their outstanding defence stood strong seeing the Somerset school in to the semi-finals.

Elsewhere, Tonbridge Colts lived up to the high standards set by their senior team in defeating a talented Pangbourne. As was the case yesterday with their Under-18s, Tonbridge’s success was based on structure and defense with the ability to finish their chances.

They were able to frustrate a fast, dynamic Pangbourne side that were limited in their ability to use their strengths thanks to the inclement weather.

They were joined in the semi-finals by St Josephs who worked very hard for their victory against Monmouth. In the final quarter-final Portsmouth Grammar School (PGS) showed that they are more than comfortable at this level with a great win against St. Georges, Weybridge. PGS were able to spread the ball successfully tiring the oppositions defence and keeping hold of the ball for long periods of time in their 12-5 win.

Semi-Finals

The semi-finals were played on fields that once were covered with grass - not helped by four days of rugby in the always temperamental British weather in March.

Millfield were able to adapt to the conditions best after their win over Judd as they deposed of Tonbridge in a similar fashion to the senior boys last week in Richmond. Millfield played some great rugby dominating both possession and territory for large parts of the game as they ran out winners 26-0

In another one sided semi-final St. Joseph's defeated Portsmouth 36-7. The Hampshire school looked dead on their feet after their epic quarter final win and their opponents from Ipswich were able to take advantage of this using both power and pace to take their place in the final.

Final

The days finale proved another entertaining spectacle, with Millfield able to pin back their opponents for long periods of time and keep the pressure on with some excellent kicking from the half-backs. Characteristically Millfield were excellent at both sides of the re-start which proved to be the difference. St. Josephs were in the game throughout the final but unable to really gain any momentum due to the intelligence of their rivals.

The scoreline of 17-10 was a fair reflection, with the best side in the competition coming through some tough games to win the tournament and prove once more that Millfield will be strong at this level for a long time to come.

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