Rugby School became the first side other than Bedford or Wellington College to lift the Oakham 7s title as they claimed Sunday’s main silverware in Rutland.

19 teams gathered in the smallest county in the country, split into groups of five, plus one of four, the winners would head to the Cup semis, with second to the Plate, third to the Bowl, and fourth to the Shield.

Right from the off Rugby were on it, placed in arguably the toughest group in the competition, Group D, with Ipswich, Stowe, Stamford, and Norwich all included – all of whom could legitimately say that they had title aspirations.

Regardless Rugby, who have been excellent throughout the year, progressed through with a 100% record to charge into the semi finals, where they faced Finborough, whose progress this year has been remarkable. They had topped a competitive Group C that saw themselves, Bromsgrove, and St Joseph’s College all finish with two wins and a defeat, but Finborough’s greater points record saw them to the top, with Bromsgrove in second and St Jo’s in third, ahead of St Edward’s Oxford. The game itself was a thriller, ending 31-26 to Rugby to send them to the final.

Up against them were Felsted, who have been on fire this 7s season. They had topped Group B ahead of near rivals Royal Hospital School, perennial champions at Oakham, Bedford, the hosts Oakham’s 2^nd VII, and near neighbours Leicester Grammar. That put them into a semi final against Oakham’s great rivals Uppingham, who had topped Pool A ahead of Gordon’s and Oakham, whose 19-19 draw left them tied for second place, with Gordon’s taking that spot on points difference, ahead of Campion in fourth and King’s Macclesfield in fifth.

That semi final saw a strong performance from Felsted, winning 35-14 against Uppingham. The final was then a massive affair, but there was little that Felsted could do to stop the juggernaught on Sunday that was Rugby, who were again outstanding for a 29-14 victory.

Over in the Plate Royal Hospital School claimed the spoils with a 38-21 victory over Bromsgrove, having beaten Gordon’s 27-12 in the semi finals, Bromsgrove meanwhile had denied an all-Suffolk Plate final by beating Ipswich in their semi final.

The Bowl tournament went the way of the hosts, Oakham, who defeated this tournament’s most successful side, Bedford, 41-20 in their semi final ahead of a thrilling final that saw them past Stowe, 28-24. A good return from Stowe given their exploits in midweek in reaching the Schools Plate final.

Stamford meanwhile claimed the Shield with a 29-7 defeat of Teddies oxford in the semi final before defeating Campion 28-21 in the final.

The day all boiled down to the Cup in the end though and that wonderful performance throughout the day from Rugby School, who are going to be a side to keep a real eye on in this final three weeks of the 7s season.

U16s

There was also action at U16 level, and it would not be the Oakham 7s without a Cup title for Bedford School. They duly delivered with a fantastic day of action, culminating in a defeat of Sedbergh in the final, whose U18s won the North of England School 7s.

Bedford had topped Group A with an unbeaten record before beating Uppingham 24-19 in their semi final, setting up that final against Sedbergh that proved to be an incredibly gritty affair, with Bedford winning out 12-5.

Over in the Plate Bromsgrove claimed the spoils, while the Bowl was secured by Felsted, and Stowe wrapped up the Shield.

Oakham 7s U18 Champions – Rugby

Cup Final: Rugby 29-14 Felsted

Semi Finals: Rugby 31-26 Finborough, Felsted 35-14 Uppingham

Plate Final: Royal Hospital School 38-21 Bromsgrove

Semi Finals: Royal Hospital School 27-12 Gordon’s, Bromsgrove 31-17 Ipswich

Bowl Final: Oakham 28-24 Stowe

Semi Finals: Oakham 41-20 Bedford, Stowe 22-5 St Joseph’s College

Shield Final: Stamford 28-21 Campion

Semi Finals: Stamford 29-7 St Edward’s Oxford, Campion 24-7 Oakham 2^nd VII

Final Group Standings: