There has been so much fantastic knockout schools rugby going on this week that it would be easy to gloss over some of the other action.
To do so would be a disservice though, for it has been fantastic, with some brilliant action all over the country including one game that has had a huge impact on the way the Daily Mail Trophy will be decided this year.
To see what has been happening in the other competitions though, do follow the links below:
U18 Schools Bowl QF Bowl Roundup
Millfield 16-5 Sedbergh
This game is always a huge game, these are two of the most famous names in schoolboy rugby across the world, produced countless internationals. Victory for Sedbergh would have given the Daily Mail Trophy title after that stunning victory over Wellington College last week opened that door as they went past three years unbeaten.
They were favourites against Millfield, who had struggled early on in the season, losing out to RGS High Wycombe among others. In the last few weeks though Millfield have really kicked on and victories over Cheltenham College, Monmouth, and, in particular, Whitgift, perhaps should have been seen as warning signs of the way this group has progressed as this term has gone on.
Wednesday was a step up again though, the peak of an epic journey for the Somerset men. It meant something to them, that much was obvious such was the workrate and determination they displayed. It was clever too though; in Sedbergh’s victory over Wellington College their work at the breakdown had been superb, causing nightmares for Wellington and being one of the key aspects in Sedbergh’s victory. Millfield had clearly seen that as an area to target and did so expertly, showing real accuracy and discipline in their work in that area.
The hard work in that area and their superior discipline helped them to a 9-0 lead, but against this Sedbergh outfit 9-0 never feels comfortable, such is their quality. However midway through the second half Millfield pulled out to a far more comfortable lead when Will Joseph delightfully gathered a dink over and then powered across the line to take the Somerset side to a 16-0 lead with the conversion.
A fantastic showcase of sport 🏉 on campus yesterday.
Big thanks to @AnalysisPro for the support in filming @MillfieldRugby v @TheBrownSSFC and capturing 🎥 this #millfieldmoment@MillfieldSenior @MillfieldSport @FifteenRugbyXV pic.twitter.com/3xkybDrhrn
— MillfieldISW (@MillfieldISW) December 5, 2019
Sedbergh came back, because of course they did. This brilliant group of young men do not give up, and scored in the right hand corner as the game neared its end, but it was too late to stage a comeback. Millfield had blown the Daily Mail Trophy race wide open with a magnificent performance. More important though, they had demonstrated just what a good side they are, what progress they have made, and set pulses racing ahead of what could be an exciting 7s season – assuming the academies play ball and actually let their players play rugby… Wednesday There was plenty to get excited about besides that Millfield performance, not least yet another outstanding effort from Denstone College, who sealed a 60-0 victory over Queen Ethelburga’s, meaning that in their last three games they have scored an extraordinary 182 points, conceding just 5. A quite excellent team. Elsewhere Beth’s Grammar and Bishop Vesey’s Grammar both enjoyed big victories, as did Bury Grammar and Dr Challoner’s Grammar, all setting up for superb finales to their seasons.
The 1stXV @ChristColBrecon thoroughly enjoyed playing at @ArmsParkCardiff last night. Great game of rugby. A small clip of the action. @FifteenRugbyXV @OBA_CCB @RonSkinners pic.twitter.com/InDHIenopA
— CCB Sports (@Sports_CCB) December 5, 2019
The Oratory travelled to Wales to take on Christ College Brecon at the Cardiff Arms Park and came away with an excellent 36-7 victory. Meanwhile Pangbourne College were on real form, securing a 45-10 home victory over Cokethorpe. Similarly Old Swinford Hospital had a fine home victory, 36-19 against KES Aston.
Eltham College had a wonderful performance away at St Olave’s, securing a 41-27 victory and there was a strong effort from Gordon’s too, beating Tiffin 36-17. Meanwhile Ravens Wood were on form too, 28-14 at Wallington County Grammar.
In the North West Lancaster RGS enjoyed a cracking home victory over a good Cheadle Hulme side, 19-7. Meanwhile Wilmslow High School and Lymm High School had a real ding dong battle of a game, which really could have gone either way. Wilmslow came out on top though, winning 14-12.
There was a big derby in Cornwall too, Truro College and Truro School meeting. The College took the victory, putting in an impressive display to win 49-10.
Thursday
Thursday did not see too much action, but what action there was meant plenty to those involved. In the Oxfordshire County Cup Final, Abingdon’s 2nd XV took home the silverware, a day after the 1st XV had missed out in a thrilling Schools Cup quarter. They beat Burford 27-12 to seal the title.
Hurstpierpoint College meanwhile travelled to Rugby School, a day after the 1st XV had lost out in the Champions Trophy final. That pitted them against the 2nd XV, and at the home of rugby Hurstpierpoint College more than got the job done, claiming a strong 31-7 victory.
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Schools Rugby Midweek Results:
Wednesday
Beth’s GS 49-7 Simon Langton GS
Bishop Vesey’s GS 52-14 KES Five Ways
Bury GS 41-27 Rishworth
Christ College 7-36 The Oratory
Denstone College 60-0 Queen Ethelburga’s
Haberdashers’ 0-61 Dr Challoner’s GS
Lancaster RGS 19-7 Cheadle Hulme
Lymm HS 12-14 Wilmslow HS
Millfield 16-5 Sedbergh
Old Swinford Hospital 36-19 KES Aston
Pangbourne College 45-10 Cokethorpe
St Olave’s GS 27-41 Eltham College
Tiffin 17-36 Gordon’s
Truro College 2nd XV 49-10 Truro
Wallington CGS 14-28 Ravens Wood
Thursday
Burford 12-27 Abingdon 2nd XV (County Cup Final)
Ratcliffe College v Brooksby Melton College 2nd XV (County Cup) – TBA
Rugby 2nd XV 7-31 Hurstpierpoint College
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