Schools Rugby: Sedbergh 10s | Kirkham Grammar School go back to back

IMG_8338

BECOME A PATRON

Kirkham Grammar School made history on Monday as they made it back to back Sedbergh 10s titles with a stunning performance in the final against the hosts, Sedbergh.

 

It was a repeat of the 2022 final, but that should not be seen as a sign that this competition was any sort of forgone conclusion, far from it, this was one of the most even an keenly contested Sedbergh 10s tournaments in years.

 

The action on the field was fierce, both sides had tasted defeat in the tournament, both sides on this second day had required last ditch tries to secure victories as sides such a Brighton College, Hampton, Ipswich, Seaford College, and Stamford provided some seriously stiff title challenges.

 

As ever though the privilege was not just in witnessing the action on the field but the action off it too. The Sedbergh 10s has always aimed to be a real climax to the school season, not only in terms of the rugby but also in terms of providing a superb experience off the field too and that was clear for all to see as the players and coaches from all sides mingled and forged new friendships and rekindled old.

 

On the field though the action was ferocious, and unpredictable. After the most spectacular Day 1 on Sunday that saw some incredible action and outstanding moments, the scene was set for Saturday, with Kirkham Grammar School in a group with Brighton College, Hampton, and Felsted.

 

Sedbergh meanwhile were grouped with Ipswich, Seaford College, and Stamford, neither was to prove an easy group, with each going right down to the wire. Sedbergh had to clinch it against Ipswich, while Kirkham Grammar School needed some serious willpower, skill, and determination to make it past a Brighton College side that was many people’s pick heading into this final day as favourites.

 

Only the top side in each group would reach the Cup Final, so each and every game and every point was crucial.

 

It was the same pattern in the Plate, where reigning champions RGS High Wycombe were up against Dulwich College, King’s Macclesfield, and KES Bath, while the other Pool saw Barnard Castle, QEGS Wakefield, Cokethorpe, and Hurstpierpoint College pitted against one another.

 

That Plate competition was possibly even more dramatic, both coming down to points difference after RGS High Wycombe and QEGS Wakefield lost their final games to KES Bath and Barnard Castle respectively. As the calculators were whipped out, it quickly became clear that RGS would be defending their title, and up against them would be Hurstpierpoint College, who had lost to QEGS, in incredibly dramatic fashion, but beaten Cokethorpe and Barnard Castle.

 

That final was immense, Hurstpierpoint College took and early lead but it was a lead that swung this way and that until RGS High Wycombe, with just a couple of minutes left, took what felt like the crucial lead.

 

Hurstpierpoint College were having none of that though, and in the very last play of the game scored a sensational try to claim the 2023 Sedbergh 10s Plate in the most spectacular manner. A truly incredible way to end the Upper 6th’s schools rugby careers.

 

That led us to the mouth-watering final, a repeat of last year’s epic, and a repeat in terms of sheer quality too.

 

Both sides are stacked with incredible players, the Player of the Tournament head to head between Kirkham’s Seb Kelly and Sedbergh’s Tom Burton being a particular classic, but both a so much more than the individuals, the collective sum of their parts is spectacular.

 

In the final it was Kirkham and Kelly that drew first blood, the younger brother of Leicester Tigers’ Dan scoring a bullocking try from short range. Wills Austin, the Sale Sharks flanker, scored a second close range effort just on half time for Kirkham to take a 12-0 lead into the break.

 

In the second half though it was all about Kirkham Grammar School’s defence, for probably close to 9 of the 12 minutes of the second half it was Sedbergh possession in and around the Kirkham Grammar School 22. Only once did they creak, from a sublime piece of play from Tom Burton as he dropped the ball on his toe on the run for a kick pass out to Wilbur Blackham, one of the tries of the tournament.

 

From there though Kirkham’s defence was unbreakable, time and time again they simply refused to be broken as they gave everything for the cause. Sedbergh knocked, and boy did they knock, but they simply could not get through, and when the sniff of a chance came for Kirkham Grammar they seized it, and seized it in style through Morgan Dryhurst-Jones for the most glorious individual try, a mix of pace, power, and footwork, and with just three minutes left on the clock that 17-5 lead was insurmountable.

 

It was a supreme end to the most wonderful two days of play. Without doubt this incredible tournament once again lived up to the billing. Making the most last memories for those many players across all sides for whom it is the last time they will ever pull on their school shirt.

 

For Kirkham Grammar School, and for Hurstpierpoint College, those memories will be that extra bit special thanks to those incredible finals. Kirkham Grammar School once again cementing their status as one of the true giants of the school game and one of the school game’s most important and cherished competition.

 

A quite spectacular end to the most brilliant schools rugby season.

SHARING IS CARING!
Leave a Response

Leave a Reply

Related Articles

Back to top