Tonbridge showed the same form that saw them reach last year’s Rosslyn Park Nationals Schools 7s Festival final last year as they won Sunday’s Norton Rose, Reigate Grammar School Charity 7s.

Tonbridge beat the excellent Epsom College 24-19 to cap a glorious day of rugby at Reigate.

Going into the tournament Brighton College and Whitgift favoured by many following their excellent performances at the Hampton 7s in midweek, however both fell at the quarter final stage after topping their respective groups.

Whigift lost 28-7 to John Fisher, a side that they had comfortably beaten in midweek, while Brighton lost out 15-12 to the eventual finalists Epsom College, albeit in highly controversial circumstances – Brighton looked for all the world as though they had scored but the referee adjudged that the Brighton player was over the dead ball line. Epsom promptly marched up to the other end, setting up a penalty chance to win the game at the death.

Like Brighton, Fisher nearly made it even further, losing just 14-12 to the eventual winners Tonbridge. They were not the only side to improve considerably on their midweek showing, KCS Wimbledon were in fine form, topping a tough group that included, Dulwich College, Worth, and RHS before knocking out AASE side FIlton College in the quarter finals. However Epsom in the semi finals proved a game too many for them as they lost out 17-5.

In the Plate competition Hampton went one better than in midweek, again reaching the final but this time getting to lift the silverware as they defeated Portsmouth Grammar School 26-5.

Both sides enjoyed good semi final wins too, with Hampton getting past Dulwich 24-7, and Portsmouth Grammar going through 19-0 against Reed’s.

St Joseph’s College came back from a slightly sloppy group stage to lift the Shield, while the Bowl was shared between Judd and RGS Guildford.

The focus of most spectators’ attention was on the Cup final though, where Epsom took an early lead. However tries from Will Weston, Henry Wheadon, and a brace from Ben Earl saw Tonbridge race out to a 24-5 lead.

A lot can happen in a short space of time in sevens though, and Epsom College demonstrated that as they hit back with two quick converted tries to take the score to 24-19.

However Tonbridge were able to resist the pressure for long enough, and held out to win the game, and with it the tournament, one of many to come for the season they will be hoping.

Certainly on this evidence they are likely to be figuring in the late rounds of most competitions, including Rosslyn Park, Epsom likewise. With the Festival’s serial winners, Wellington College, now over in the Open draw – both will be feeling that this could be their year.

Do you think that Tonbridge or Epsom College could win the Rosslyn Park Festival? Let us know what you think via @FifteenRugbyXV or via the comment box below.

2014 Norton Rose, Reigate Grammar School Charity 7s Knockout Results:

Cup:

Final: Epsom College 19-24 Tonbridge

Semi Finals:

Epsom College 17-5 KCS Wimbledon

John Fisher 12-14 Tonbridge

Quarter Finals:

Brighton College 12-15 Epsom College

Filton College 19-22 KCS Wimbledon

Whitgift 7-28 John Fisher

Tonbridge 21-7 Cranbrook

Plate:

Final: Hampton 26-5 Portsmouth Grammar School

Semi Finals:

Hampton 24-7 Dulwich College

Reed’s 0-19 Portsmouth Grammar

Quarter Finals:

Hampton 31-10 Wimbledon College

Canford 5-31 Dulwich College

Reed’s 21-17 Hurstpierpoint

City of London Freemen’s 14-19 Portsmouth Grammar

Shield: St Joseph’s College

Bowl: Judd/RGS Guildford Shared