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After an absorbing finish to the Festival tournament at UK National Schools, Thursday saw the Open tournament for two-term schools kick off.

There were some big scores in the group stages as the top teams set down a marker to their rivals in preparation for last 16 tomorrow.

Pre-tournament favourites Millfield progressed comfortably as expected with sizeable wins against Strade and Swansea. The Somerset schools ability to mix power at the breakdown and clinical finishing will prove to be tough to stop tomorrow.

Brighton College will be their opponents in the last 16 and the Sussex school exuded confidence in getting out of the tournaments toughest groups.

An early win against QEGS Wakefield 26-19 started the day well but they were made to work hard for a draw at 31pts each with Amman Valley which meant they needed to win in their final group game of the day. An excellent performance from the Brighton side, who have benefitted hugely from the input of Peter Richards and Coach Dawson, saw the team defeat Ampleforth and take their place in the knockouts.

Elsewhere in the last 16 there will be a battle for Welsh pride with Coleg Sir Gar taking on Glantaf.

Coleg have played themselves into form this season after a tough start but look to be flying at this stage in the tournament with an impressive win in a physical 26-24 win against another Welsh side Gwent in the playoffs. Glantaf had an easier route to the last 16 with comfortable wins over Oaklands and Greenhill.

A fixture that is sure to catch the eye tomorrow as the tournament moves to Rosslyn Park RFC is Judd taking on Filton College.

Filton were superb in defeating festival finalists Wellington College at the Surrey Sevens last week and the Bristol side put down a marker with an equally impressive display in the group stages. The College defeated one of the fancied sides Sedbergh 26-10 in a game that took much out of both sides. Filton were able to control the game with rigid defense and able close down the much vaunted Sedbergh attack. Judd proved that they will be a tough task with an excellent win over last year’s quarter-finalists Henley College in the group stage before following this with a huge win over Alton 57-0.

Colston's have entered the tournament with a great deal of form following some strong performance at both Portsmouth and Taunton where they lost out to Millfield on both occasions.

Thursday proved to be relatively simple for the rugby powerhouse as they defeated East Norfolk 64-0 and Coopers 48-5. They will meet Llandovery from Wales who were made to work hard for their position in the knockouts with a tough win against Surrey Sevens plate winners Richmond College 21-14

Last 16 Fixtures

Coleg Sir Gar v Gwent
Merchiston Castle v Wimbledon College
Filton v Judd
Ivybridge v Kings Macclesfield
Colstons v Llandovery
Princes Henrys v Warwick
Old Swinford Hospital v Cowbridge
Brighton College v Millfield