Brighton College face competition as they seek to defend Worth 7s title

The Worth 7s takes place on Sunday, with twenty teams competition in the 1^st VII competition, and eight in the parallel ‘2^nd VII’ competition.

The 1^st VII competition is split in to four groups of five with the 2^nd VII competition in two groups of four. The top two in each group of the main draw go into the Cup semi finals, with the third and fourth entering the Plate semis, while the top two in each of the 2^nd VII groups enter the 2^nd VII semi finals.

Last year Brighton College won the main competition, beating Bedford 26-17, improving on their runners up spot back in 2013.

This year they will again be among the favourites but are in a competitive Group C alongside Reed’s, St Paul’s, St John’s Leatherhead, and City of London Freemen’s.

Their opponents in last year’s final, Bedford, are drawn in Group D, where they will also once again be favoruites. Eastbourne College, Seaford College, The Oratory, and last year’s Plate runners up, Hurstpierpoint College, are their competition.

Group B looks like the one that will have all the early fireworks though with two real heavyweights drawn together in Tonbridge and Hampton. Their group clash will likely be one of the fixtures of the day. Caterham, KCS Wimbledon, and Reigate Grammar School will likely have their say too but the focus will surely be on Hampton and the 2013 Champions Tonbridge.

The hosts, Worth, are drawn in Group A. They will face Christ’s Hospital, Campion, St George’s College Weybridge, and Eltham College in what is likely to be a competitive group.

Over in the B competition Hampton 2^nd VII, who are looking to defend the title, are drawn in Group B alongside The Oratory 2^nd VII, Hurstpierpoint 2^nd VII, and Bethany 1^st VII. Meanwhile Group A features Brighton College 2^nd VII, Campion 2^nd VII, Caterham 2^nd VII, and Ardingly College 1^st VII.

The A competition ought to be a fascinating one though, with Brighton, Bedford, Hampton, and Tonbridge likely to be the main contenders, and all will be looking to make a big statement as we move towards the HSBC Rosslyn Park National Schools 7s in just under two weeks.