As the term nears its close and December looms large, the quality of schools rugby seems to be increasing by the week.
Selecting our Top 5 Schools of the Weekend seems increasingly tricky, and that was certainly the case this week. Nevertheless, we narrowed it down, and here is our Top 5.
Top 5 School Teams of the Weekend
Bedford
After winning the Champions Trophy on Wednesday with a brilliant display against Epsom College, Bedford could have been forgiven had they dropped their level a bit against a strong Abingdon side this weekend, particularly away from home.
However they were absolutely at their best putting in a superb performance to secure a brilliant 49-13 victory. It shows the level of both their quality and commitment. It also highlights their desire to complete an unbeaten season, and to challenge for a second trophy of the season, the Daily Mail Trophy, in which they now sit in second place and could yet challenge Wellington College for the title.
Eastbourne College
The quality of Eastbourne College’s season has perhaps gone somewhat under the radar. Since a heavy defeat early in the season to Tonbridge, they have been unbeaten and in flying form, indeed that is their only defeat of the season.
Despite that though, few would probably have predicted that they would beat their close rivals Brighton College on Saturday, a side who can claim scalps like Epsom College this season.
Eastbourne did just that though, securing a very impressive 12-3 win, and with it they finally get some of the recognition that perhaps their season has deserved.
Millfield
Whitgift away was a crucial fixture for Millfield after their big games against big rivals have tended to go against the Somerset side this season. Whitgift was another huge test, as shown by the fact that they had only lost to Wellington and Sedbergh this season.
Millfield showed what they are made of though to secure an impressive 29-16 victory. Not only was it impressive, but it also sets them up perfectly as they prepare to welcome Sedbergh to town for the second time this season, a game which could have an impact on the top end of the Daily Mail Trophy too.
St Peter’s, York
St Peter’s have had a good season so far and they look like they could also surprise a few people in the NatWest Cup.
They showed that quality in an impressive away win at Durham, 32-12. This is a Durham side, remember, who sit in the Top 10 of the Daily Mail Trophy table, and have done for most of the season.
St Peter’s showed their class though, and it is class, they have only lost three times this season, they are now on a four game winning streak.
Over in the Cup, the face RGS Newcastle next week, who knocked out Durham in the last round, which could make this a very interesting game.
St Paul’s
Having won 9 games in a row since an early season defeat to Epsom, and looking highly impressive whilst they were at it, the wheels had come off for St Paul’s in recent weeks as they took a convincing beating from Tonbridge and then drew at Berkhamsted.
A game against a good Eton College side has therefore a big test for the South West London side, but it was one that they responded to in quite brilliant fashion, securing a 31-17 victory.
It showed great character, and a great level of determination to make sure that they got back to winning ways fast, and they deserve plenty of credit for that.
