With all schools now back in session, this week represents the first proper midweek of schools rugby of the season.
Nevertheless, it is still a reasonably quiet one, just a handful of games will be taking place. Though with the hectic schedule of midweek NatWest Cup and Champions Trophy games set to start coming through in a few weeks, it is little wonder that plenty of schools are opting not to put too many miles on the clock early on.
That said, what rugby there is looks set to be fascinating. Starting today with a local derby in Taunton between King’s College and Queen’s College. King’s have had some strong sides in recent years and will be favourites for victory, but derby games always have that little bit of edge.
Later on Monday Malvern College taken on Mill Hill, in what ought to be a good game between the two.
Wednesday is the busiest day of the week, one fixture that immediately stands out is Sir Thomas Rich’s trip across the border to Wales, where they face Bridgend College.
There are a couple of local derbies, King Edward VI Five Ways v King’s Worcester being one, it is always the curtain raiser for these two, King’s Worcester tend to be the stronger, and will be hoping to continue that. Moving South a little, Marling host the once Schools Cup champions, St Peter’s Gloucester, while Windsor Boys host LVS Ascot.
One of last year’s top teams, Trinity, are hosting Wallington County Grammar, while St Ambrose College, who reached last year’s NatWest Plate final, face Manchester Grammar at home in a Daily Mail Trophy game.
There are two huge games under the lights on Friday evening. The biggest, perhaps, is the annual derby at Newcastle Falcons’ Kingston Park between RGS Newcastle and Durham. Last year’s game was a thriller, with Durham just nicking it 16-15, and this year’s should be another classic in what is always a brilliantly spectated game.
Down South things look equally as exciting, Anthony Watson’s former school, St George’s College, Weybridge, take on Reed’s under the light in what ought to be an evenly contested game at Weybridge RFC. Like RGS v Durham at Kingston Park, spectators are encouraged to come along to the 18.30 kick off.
Don’t forget to send in any photos, reports, or videos from this week’s school rugby, you can send them into us via email (writers@fifteenrugby.com ), Facebook (www.facebook.com/FifteenRugby ), or via Twitter (@FifteenRugbyXV).
Schools Rugby Midweek Fixtures (predictions in italics):
Monday 5th September
King’s College Taunton v Queen’s College Taunton
Malvern College v Mill Hill
Wednesday 7th September
Bridged College v Sir Thomas Rich’s
King Edward VI Five Ways v King’s Worcester
Marling v St Peter’s, Gloucester
St Ambrose College v Manchester Grammar (DMT)
Trinity v Wallington CGS
Windsor Boys v LVS Ascot
Friday 9th September
RGS Newcastle v Durham
St George’s College v Reed’s (DMT)
