Tonbridge bounced back from an early defeat to win the 2016 HSBC Rosslyn Park National School 7s Vase title today.

They beat a very much in form Bedford side, who have been sweeping all before them, 26-10 in the final in what was a magnificent display.

It made up for last year, where a disappointed Tonbridge side lost out in the final to Stowe, but that was not to be the case this year. The focus and determination of the men from Kent was clear as they raced to a 26-0 lead in the final, and while Bedford did claw back a couple of tries, Tonbridge never looked like a side who were going to allow this game to drift by them.

They had had it far from all their own way though, only points difference had allowed them through after they had lost in their opening game of the day to Felsted, who looked like they might be the side to beat at that point.

Tonbridge bounced back with a win over Bradford Grammar, who then did them a favour by beating Felsted in the final round, allowing Tonbridge through on points difference after they had racked up a big win over The Oratory.

That set up a semi final with Berkhamsted, who had looked outstanding in beating Eton College, who were Colts finalists last year, Dulwich College, and Rugby in Group 2. Tonbridge made short work of that challenge though, winning in supreme style by a 38-0 margin.

Bedford meanwhile were also playing scintillating stuff as they topped a tough group that included Bristol Grammar, Lord Wandsworth College, and Seaford College, before a highly impressive 31-0 semi final win over Bishop Wordsworth’s, who hadbeaten Eastbourne College, Blundell’s, and Cheltenham College to progress.

Over in the Bowl there was plenty of drama too. King’s Macclesfield picked up the title thanks to a try in the last play to haul them from 12-7 down against St Paul’s in the final to win it 14-12.
The Bowl consisted of the sides who lost in yesterdays Vase Elimination round, with the winners going into the Vase quarters, and the losers the bowl quarters.

The two finalists were without doubt the two outstanding sides in that section of the competition though, both topped their Groups before achieving almost identical scores in their semi finals, King’s beat Worksop 26-14, with St Paul’s beating Malvern 26-12.

Without a doubt though, the day belonged to Tonbridge, who showed great resolve to come back from that early defeat, which must have felt like a hammer blow, before showing some outstanding skills, pace, and power as the tournament went on.

A thought to for Bedford, who have been magnificent all season and throughout the competition but just came up against a Tonbridge side who were in flying form this afternoon.

For Tonbridge, it surely felt doubly special after last year’s heartache. They richly deserved their moment of Vase glory.

You can see our U18 Cup and U14 roundups and previews here: U18 Cup and U14 Tournament roundups and previews.

Photos from the Day’s play can be seen on our Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/FifteenRugby

2016 HSBC Rosslyn Park National School 7s Vase Winners – Tonbridge

Vase Results:

Final

Tonbridge 26-10 Bedfrod

Semi Finals

Tonbridge 38-0 Berkhamsted

Bedford 31-0 Bishop Wordsworth;s

Bowl Champions – King’s Macclesfield

Bowl Results

Final

King’s Macclesfield 14-12 St Paul’s

Semi Finals

King’s Macclesfield 26-14 Worksop College

St Paul’s 26-12 Malvern College