The first weekend of school fixtures following the half term break certainly did not fail to live up to expectations, there were some thrilling fixtures and extraordinary results.
Veterrimi IV
The Veterrimi IV was perhaps the most prestigious offering of the weekend, with Sherborne hosting Cheltenham College, Durham, and St Paul’s.
Durham and St Paul’s were the dominant sides on Saturday as they saw off the challenges of Cheltenham and the hosts Sherborne, setting up a final on Sunday.
Calling that was always going to be a tricky one, Durham have looked excellent all year but then only drew at Ampleforth when most would have predicted a victory, while St Paul’s had been excellent all year, bar defeat to St Benedict’s, yet had remained mysteriously under the radar.
As it was though it was Durham who really proved their quality, winning 15-10 to lift the A.J.Dingle trophy, proving at the same time that they are among the very best in the country.
Competition
Marlborough proved that their return to form is no flash in the pan as they beat the very much in form Clifton College 1st XV 22-12. With their injury crisis seemingly at an end and their confidence back, Marlborough are definitely a side to keep an eye on in this half.
Harrow confounded our predictions with a superb 31-8 demolition of Eton. Form and results had suggested that this would be a finely balanced game but after a performance like that it would be no surprise to see Harrow kick on, they certainly have the players to.
Stamford continued their stunning home record by beating Trent College 35-0, it is going to take a truly special performance for anyone to take that unbelievable two year record. It was also the perfect warm up ahead of their local derby against Oakham this weekend.
Another side preparing for a local derby was Oundle, who face their great rivals Uppingham this weekend, they made the trip to the excellent Radley College. Unfortunately for Oundle they found themselves facing a Radley side in rampant form on their famous Bigside pitch, the hosts running away with the game as they finished with a 42-5 victory, confirming their reputation as one of the most feared sides in the region.
Final Round Up
Elsewhere, Brighton held off the challenge from a good Seaford side to win 27-10, maintaining their status as the number one side on the south coast after Seaford’s victories over Hurstpierpoint and Worth had put that position under threat.
Wilsmlow High School and Sandbach played out a 19-19 draw, keeping things very interesting in Cheshire, whilst Cranleigh continued to show their excellence in the South East with a 27-7 victory over the Gower Club.
Confirmed Weekend Results:
Veterrimi VI Final: Durham 15-10 St Paul’s
Marlborough 22-12 Clifton (XV Competition Fixture)
Eton 8-31 Harrow (XV Competition Fixture)
Stamford 35-0 Trent (XV Competition Fixture)
Radley 42-5 Oundle (XV Competition Fixture)
Brighton 27-10 Seaford
Cranleigh 27-7 Gower Club
Wilmslow High 19-19 Sandbach
