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Millfield retained their title in the Open tournament at National Schools Sevens today, played at Rosslyn Park RFC. Millfield had come into the tournament as red-hot favourites, following victories in Portsmouth, Taunton and Richmond. They lived up to their billing with a sevens exhibition in the final against Filton College, winning 33-10.

In a cruel twist of fate, that gives something to the supporters of seeding at the National Schools. Millfield's first game of the day was against the other nationally recognised side, Brighton College. The two sides had met only last week at the Surrey Sevens, when the Somerset school was victorious. This was the only loss of the season for Brighton, they were confident of reversing their fortunes in the last 16 this morning.

The match was end to end rugby sevens. Brighton had their chances to score, however Millfield always looked in control, showing real patience on the ball. The real difference between the sides was Millfield’s ability to clinically finish every opportunity offered. Millfield captain Henry Thomas was able to control the breakdown and set-piece, securing quick ball for the flyers out wide.

The scoring finished at 21-0 and although the Millfield line had not been broken, Brighton had shown what a strong side they are this year. If they had been on the other side of the draw from their adversaries they may have gone further in the tournament.

Thoughts that were shared by Brighton Director of Rugby, Nick Boyd "We played five tournaments this year and won three. We have only lost two games both against Millfield, We feel a bit hard done by to meet them (Millfield) in the quarters twice. We would have liked to have met them in a final to prove we're at least the second best team around."

Elsewhere, Scottish side Merchiston Castle made their way to the semi finals with victories over Wimbledon and Glantaff. They were joined by Filton College whose improvement has been one of the stories of the season. Filton had a tough start to the season at the PGS Sevens, however have shown their class and ended up competing at the highest level.

The Bristol school defeated one of their early season nemeses, Ivybridge Community College, 22-12 after earlier beating Judd 19-17. Filton took the game to Ivybridge early in the quarters. This proved to be key, as Filton got themselves in front and did not look back.

Joining Merchiston, Filton and Millfield in the semis was the surprise package of the tournament, Prince Henry's. They had not played in a tournament before the Nationals but did not look out of place at all in such illustrious company. Prince Henry’s had defeated powerhouse Colstons in quarters 12-5. Colstons had looked like the side to compete with Millfield after beating Llandovery in the last 16, but Henry's proved to be too much for the Bristol school.

In the first semi-final, Merchiston took on Filton and unfortunately the heavens decided to open, resulting in a number of early handling errors from both sides. Filton were able to adapt to the conditions more quickly and opened the scoring, if not in the most traditional sevens style, with a strong forwards move. The 12-0 half time score line meant it was all still to play for. However, it was Filton who were able to capitalise on the Scottish sides mistakes in the rain. They pulled further ahead with the final score of 31-5.

After the game, Merchiston were not downhearted with the result. They had taken a number of scalps over the past 2 days which had really pleased Director of Rugby Brendan Mckerchar. He said "we’re really happy with our progress in the tournament, we came with no real preconceptions and everything in the second day has been a bonus"

The second semi-final saw the two sides whose preparation for the tournament could not have been different. Prince Henry's pleased the crowd by opening the scoring, but this did no more than spark Millfield into life. They went on to dominate every aspect of the game, controlling possession, being patient on the ball and taking their chances when offered. Henry's defended valiantly but pressure finally told as they scored four unanswered tries in taking the game to 26-7.

After two days of rugby, the final was to be decided between Millfield and Filton. Millfield came out firing with some exceptional midfield play and created the first score of the match. This was closely followed by a second after a strong break from Mantella. The reigning champions’ patience and intelligence on the ball proved to be too much for Filton. The holders raced away into a 33 point lead. Filton managed two late scores but by that point the game had gone and the points proved to be nothing more than consolation. Millfield once again became Open Champions at National Schools by winning 33-10.

Filton Director of Rugby George Tavener was gracious in defeat following the game “all in all I am very proud of the boys, we had a really tough day one and boys stuck with it. We lost to the better side, so credit to Millfield, they were superb in the final, but we never gave up.”

The delighted Millfield coach, Mark Lewis Williams was quick to praise his opposite man “we are absolutely delighted, we played Filton early in the season and they have really come on since then. Credit to their coach, he has done a brilliant job”

After a long and successful season leading Millfield to four tournament wins, captain Henry Thomas summed up his feelings "it's been a great two days, we came through the group stages with flying colours. I think the final game of the day was our best game, I am delighted for the boys"

The National Schools tournament closed, as it has done many times in the past, with Millfield winning the Open Championship in the final game of the tournament. This goes a little way to showing the success of the Somerset school but does not do justice to the tournament itself. The five days of play had wowed all that had taken the time to watch.

The tournament had proven once again that it is a wonderful occasion and one that is circled on the calendar for months, if not years, in advance. For the older boys and girls competing, it is a great way to say goodbye to school rugby.

Look out next week for the Team of the Tournament for Nationals and the UR7s End of Season Awards.