Wellington College made a major statement yesterday as they lifted the South Coast 7s title at Portsmouth Grammar School, seeing off a high-class field to go through the day unbeaten.

Making the victory even more impressive was the fact that it was done without a number of top players who were away on U18 Premiership duty, though that was a difficulty that a few sides faced.

With players of the quality of the outstanding Conor Dolan, captain Will Wilson, and scrum half Rory Brand still available, among others, this was a real show of the depth of quality in Wellington’s squad.

With Millfield, the only side Wellington consistently struggled against last season, in attendance as well, this was a big psychological step ahead of the run towards Rosslyn Park.

The Somerset school did not have their best 7s tournament, though it was still one that ended in success as they lifted the Bowl, seeing off competition from Bryanston and the hosts, Portsmouth Grammar School.

St Paul’s Catholic College, one of two AASE Colleges lining up, took the Plate competition, while their AASE colleagues Hartpury College were fighting for the Cup with Wellington College and Epsom College, just reeling off the names shows you the class of the field in this early season tournament.

A 26-12 win over Hartpury and a 17-0 victory over Epsom clinched the trophy for Wellington, and with two such commanding victories it further cemented their place in many minds as one of, if not the, team to beat.

Cup Winners: Wellington College

Plate Winners: St Paul’s Catholic College

Bowl Winners: Millfield School