A brilliant opening day of action at the St Joseph’s Festival has set up for a mouthwatering second day as the contest for the De La Salle Trophy reaches its knockout stages.
Every single group had drama and intrigue on a day that had everything, from stunning tries to wonderful try savers, all amidst conditions that gave us everything as well – from a morning that almost demanded a pragmatic approach, to an afternoon that invited some wonder tries – not least an early try of the tournament effort from Brighton College’s Alex Stubbs, started off by full back Fergus Lamb.
Live Streaming
There will doubtless be more of those in tomorrow’s action and, as today, every single game will be broadcast LIVE here on NextGenXV, you will be able to watch all the action on the NextGenXV YouTube Channel, and through clicking on the embedded videos below.
Day 1 Roundup
Brighton had made it through to the quarter finals, despite a 0-0 draw with Blundell’s first up, who also progressed from Group 3. One half of that nil was to be a theme for Brighton College, who didn’t concede a point all day en route to topping the pool. Blundell’s joined them, and are a side to keep a real eye on, while Strathallan and Denstone College, who both showed real ambition and quality as well, head to the Bowl.
Many people’s team of the day were Kirkham Grammar School, they stormed through Group 2 to reach the quarter finals in a group that was beyond competitive. Cheltenham College had blown it wide open with an early 7-6 victory over Wellington College, and then RGS High Wycombe tore it open still further with back to back victories over Cheltenham and Wellington to join Kirkham Grammar in the quarter finals, Cheltenham and Wellington heading to the Bowl – what strength that Bowl will have.
Group 1 saw Trinity and Hampton progress, Trinity won back to back games to start off, while a win and a draw sent Hampton into the last game against Trinity knowing they needed a result. A result they gave us, sealing an 8-7 victory over last year’s finalists to reach the Trophy knockouts, condemning Whitchurch High School to the Bowl after they drew with QEGS Wakefield. It was a group in which anyone could have progressed, such was the competition.
Over in Group 4 back to back champions Millfield’s bid for three in a row remains on after they topped Group 4 with impressive victories over Dulwich College and RGS Newcastle and a hard fought victory over the hosts, St Joseph’s College, who have their best chance of a deep run in years after a superb series of displays on Day 1. Dulwich College and RGS Newcastle both had strong moment, particularly in the tricky weather, but they go through to the Bowl where they will fancy their chances of a good run.
Day 2 Preview
Trophy Quarter Finals
St Joseph’s College v Brighton College
Hampton v RGS High Wycombe
Kirkham Grammar v Trinity
Millfield v Blundell’s
A huge day looms, opening with the hosts, St Joseph’s College, taking on Brighton College. Both were sensational on Day 1 and will be aching not to end up in the Plate. At the same time on Pitch 2, Hampton and RGS High Wycombe go head to head in a game that feels wide open. In both games the momentum gained could be huge, being in a semi final for Hampton and RGS would elevate their confidence, for Brighton a victory over the hosts would give a huge sense of momentum – it’s an unmissable game – while for the hosts, this atmosphere that they create is special. If this crowd gets a hint of a possibility of winning a title, the lift will be hard for others to resist.
Half an hour later Kirkham Grammar School host Trinity, the 2019 finalists vs the 2021 finalists. Neither has won a title, both would love to, both have had teams that could, and both will be feeling hugely confident after their Day 1 performances. Trinity exceeded expecations and will be loving it, while Kirkham marked themselves out as the side to watch. On Pitch 2, meanwhile, Millfield’s bid for a ninth title sees them hosts Blundell’s, potential dark horses. In September Blundell’s led Millfield 20-0. Millfield did turn it around for a 26-20 victory but with ten minute halves here, the time for that kind of turnaround simply doesn’t exist. That will be fuel for Blundell’s to believe they can do it, for Millfield, motivation for a fast start – they are another that has looked oh so good at times.
Bowl Quarter Finals
Whitchurch High v Wellington College
Strathallan v RGS Newcastle
Cheltenham College v QEGS Wakefield
Dulwich College v Denstone College
A mighty challenge for Whitchurch, taking on Wellington College. Nobody would have predicted Wellington failing to win a game on Day 1, they are going to be motivated beyond belief. So too at the same time Strathallan and RGS Newcastle, who both will have felt they could have gone further. Both will fancy a good run in this Bowl competition.
So too will Cheltenham College, who performed so well. QEGS Wakefield will not fold easily though, as they showed in fighting back for that last play draw against Whitchurch. Then to Pitch 2 for Dulwich College v Denstone College, a cracking game that wouldn’t look out of place in the Trophy, both had some huge moments on the opening day.
Without doubt, a huge day of rugby lies ahead.
Final Group Standings
| Pos | Group 1 | Group 2 | Group 3 | Group 4 |
| 1 | Hampton | Kirkham Grammar | Brighton College | Millfield |
| 2 | Trinity | RGS High Wycombe | Blundell’s | St Joseph’s College |
| 3 | Whitchurch High | Cheltenham College | Strathallan | Dulwich College |
| 4 | QEGS Wakefield | Wellington College | Denstone College | RGS Newcastle |
Schedule
| Time | Pitch 1 | Pitch 2 |
| 09.00 | Bowl QF1: Whitchurch HS v Wellington College | Bowl QF2: Strathallan v RGS Newcastle |
| 09.30 | Bowl QF3: Cheltenham College v QEGS Wakefield | Bowl QF4: Dulwich College v Denstone College |
| 10.00 | Trophy QF 1: St Joseph’s College v Brighton College | Trophy QF 2: Hampton v RGS High Wycombe |
| 10.30 | Trophy QF 3: Kirkham Grammar v Trinity | Trophy QF 4: Millfield v Blundell’s |
| 11.00 | U12 Round Robin | U12 Round Robin |
| 11.20 | U12 Round Robin | U12 Round Robin |
| 11.40 | U12 Round Robin | U12 Round Robin |
| 12.00 | Shield SF 1: Bowl QF 1 & 3 Runners Up | Shield SF 2: Bowl QF 2 & 4 Runners Up |
| 12.30 | Bowl SF 1: Bowl QF 1 & 3 Winners | Bowl SF 2: Bowl QF 2 & 4 Winners |
| 13.00 | Plate SF 1: Trophy QF 1 & 3 Runners Up | Plate SF 2: Trophy QF 2 & 4 Runners Up |
| 13.30 | Trophy SF 1: Trophy QF 1 & 3 Winners | Trophy SF 2: Trophy QF 2 & 4 Winners |
| 14.00 | U12 Final Showcase | |
| 14.15 | Shield 3rd Place Play Off | |
| 14.45 | Shield Final | Bowl 3rd Place Play Off |
| 15.15 | Bowl Final | Plate 3rd Place Play Off |
| 15.45 | Plate Final | Trophy 3rd Place Play Off |
| 16.15 | De La Salle Trophy Final |