The final Top 5 School Teams of the Weekend for 2024 had limited games to choose from and yet ended up with some outstanding performances scrambling for a place in it.
In the final weekend of the term the games and performances were outstanding, and there were some incredibly hard earned victories that were unfortunate to miss out, Colfe’s against Bradford Grammar, Maidstone Grammar against Ravens Wood, and a thrilling Aylesbury Grammar victory against Princethorpe College among them.
Elsewhere, AKS Lytham were outstanding, likewise KES Birmingham and Sir William Borlase’s, while Campion finished things off brilliantly at Campion, and Dunnotar were excellent at Claremont, Pate’s Grammar also performed well and there was a hard earned victory for Gravesend Grammar too.
In the end though, the five sides in the Top 5 were particularly impressive, all hailing from our Ten to Watch. As ever though, it’s subjective, so let us know who would make yours!
Top 5 School Teams of the Weekend | Week 13:
Clifton College:
Clifton College finish up with one of their most memorable results of the season after defeating Irish giants Terenure College 24-22 on Friday evening. Clifton have been exceptional this season, arguably the best in the country, and Friday was an example of that. They had to dig deep, but Matt Salter’s side got their rewards for a fantastic season’s effort.
Grammar School at Leeds:
Grammar School at Leeds hosted a QEGS Wakefield side on Saturday that has reached the Continental Tyres Schools Cup semi finals and gone through the entire season unbeaten, save for the St Joseph’s Festival. On Saturday though, Richard Beck’s side ended that record in a thrilling game, winning 31-25 to finish their season on a fantastic high.
Kirkham Grammar School:
Kirkham Grammar School have been celebrating 100 years of rugby at the school this season, and one Friday night they held the final celebration for it, a big evening of rugby at Preston Grasshoppers, with Woodhouse Grove their opponents. Woodhouse Grove have been excellent this season but Kirkham Grammar have been outstanding, only losing once outside of the St Joseph’s Festival, and Jonny Roddam’s side showed all of that quality on Friday night as they earned an outstanding 40-7 victory, a fitting end to the 100 year celebrations.
Sir Thomas Rich’s:
It was a huge state schools clash for Tom Williams’ side on Saturday as Sir Thomas Rich’s hosted Northampton School for Boys, two sides that over recent years have troubled they very biggest and best in the business. This very NSB have claimed some big scalps, but on Saturday it was Tommies claiming scalps, they were outstanding en route to a superb 41-19 victory, and outstanding performance and a deserved spot in the Top 5 School Teams of the Weekend.
Stewart’s Melville:
Stewart’s Melville become the second Scottish side to make the Top 5 School Teams of the Weekend after an exceptional performance against RGS Newcastle to secure a 54-19 victory. Stuart Edwards’ side have been fantastic this season, and a couple of weeks ago they became the first side to defeat Merchiston Castle all season, in so doing they claimed the Scottish Schools Cup. Saturday saw them continue that form in style, and excellent outing.
2024 Top 5 School Teams of the Weekend Stats:
Total Teams: 48
Most Frequent: Cranleigh & Clifton College (x4)
