School 7s: Epsom College take Christ’s Hospital title, while Brighton show their depth

Epsom College won a thrilling Christ’s Hospital 7s on Sunday afternoon, despite the cold weather.

It was a sensational tournament, epitomised by the two Cup semi final scores, Epsom College winning 26-22 against Dulwich College and Brighton College’s 2^nd VII winning 24-22 against Felsted.

Brighton’s 2^nd VII were perhaps the biggest story of the competition, despite Epsom’s win. It was a genuine second string and yet they topped a tough group including The Oratory, Hayes, Worth, and AASE side Henley College, before wins over Caterham and Felsted in the knockouts. It was truly an outstanding performance throughout.

Ultimately though, Epsom lasted the course that bit longer, winning 24-10 in the final. It had been a fine tournament from Epsom. They had a really tricky group that included a 19-19 draw with Felsted, who so easily could have reached the final too.

A stunning 38-5 quarter final win over Eastbourne College, who were outstanding in topping Group 1 followed, and then then just edged out Group 3 winner Dulwich in the semi final before that final win over Brighton.

The Cup was competed for by the sides finishing in the top 2 in the groups, those finishing third and fourth played in the Bowl.

Hayes emerged victorious there. They came through Group 4 in fourth and then beat Hurstpierpoint College, one of the strongest 7s sides around before half term, 19-14 in the quarter final. A brilliant 38-10 win over Maidstone Grammar followed in the semi finals, before they claimed the silverware with a 17-10 defeat of Shiplake College in the final.

Those finishing bottom of the group went to the Shield, with started at the semi final stage. Peter Symonds’ took home the silverware, beating The Oratory in the final with a commanding performance, 40-19, following a 29-26 victory over Ardingly College in the semi final.

The story was in the Cup though, With Dulwich College and Feslted both looking very good, and Brighton College showing just how deep their squad goes. Of course though, the plaudits go to the Champions, Epsom College, who must now move forward absolutely bursting with confidence and ready to challenge for even more silverware.

Christ’s Hospital 7s Results:

Cup Final

Epsom College 24-10 Brighton College 2^nd VII

Semi Finals

Epsom College 26-22 Dulwich College

Brighton College 2^nd VII 24-22 Felsted

Quarter Finals

Epsom College 38-5 Eastbourne College

Dulwich College 24-14 Henley College

Brighton College 2^nd VII 29-26 Caterham

Felsted 24-19 New Hall

Bowl Final

Hayes 17-10 Shiplake College

Semi Finals

Hayes 38-10 Maidstone GS

Shiplake College 39-5 Worth

Quarter Finals

Hayes 19-14 Hurstpierpoint College

Maidstone GS 27-26 King’s Canterbury

Shiplake College 24-14 Christ’s Hospital

Worth 28-24 Pangbourne College

Shield Final

Peter Symonds’ 40-19 The Oratory

Semi Finals

Peter Symonds’ 29-26 Ardingly College

The Oratory 22-19 St Benedict’s

Final Group Stadings