Hampton School overcame travel fatigue, high wind speeds and a tough opposition as they marched into the semi finals of the U18 Daily Mail Cup.
Truro School were the unfortunate losers here, 20-3, having impressed many during their epic victory over RGS High Wycombe in the last 16, including Radio Cornwall!
Hampton though had been impressive enough themselves in beating Whitgift 12-10 in the last round and by all accounts they transferred that same passion right across to deepest Cornwall.
It is that passion that really seems to single out Hampton in this competition this year, at Esher RFC in the last 16 they brought hundreds of dedicated and passionate fans and today there were reports of travelling supports leaving their homes in the early hours of the morning to catch the first train from Paddington.
That passion clearly passes through to the players, who scored three tries, including one right at the death to give the scoreline a comfortable look, making Hampton School the first school to qualify for the Semi Finals at Broadstreet RFC on the 2nd March.
Whilst one team was sealing its place in the semi finals, another was wrapping up the final quarter final sport, Wirral Grammar School v King’s School Macclesfield was on its third attempt after being thwarted by the weather on the previous two occasions.
This time it was played on the lovely Caldy RFC’s pitch, where a rampant King’s Macclesfield side strode home 31-0.
King’s Macclesfield have been in fine form all season and remain unbeaten, their only slip being a draw against Kirkham Grammar. That form was clearly in evidence today as in the ever-windy conditions of the Wirral they showed true class to defeat a Wirral Grammar School side that was also undefeated.
Guy Mason’s King’s side will now face Northampton School for Boys in their quarter final which is scheduled to take place in Northampton. Northampton have beaten King’s Worcester, Wellingborough and Oakham, amongst others, to get to this stage and are no strangers to taking big scalps.
The remaining quarter finals will see Sherborne travel to Dulwich and Warwick make the trip north to Wilmslow High as they all play to join Hampton at Broadstreet RFC.
U18 Daily Mail Cup Results:
Quarter Final – Truro School 3-20 Hampton
Last 16 – Wirral Grammar School 0-31 The King’s School, Macclesfield