Millfield School, having been runners-up at last year’s tournament, went a step higher by taking the Hampton School Founders’ Day Cup with a 21-5 win in the final over Brighton College, victors at the Group stage over the holders, Cranleigh School who had to be content with taking the Plate competition.
There had been some concerns, given recent periods of heavy rain, whether this event could go ahead, but it was able to proceed after excellent work by the ground staff had ensured that the 1st XV pitch would be playable, albeit with some games being played on the nearby all-weather pitch. After some morning rain, the tournament began under clearing skies.
Group 1 games were played on the natural turf of the 1st XV pitch, with Millfield quickly establishing themselves as the team to beat. Although Epsom College got on the scoreboard against them with an early try, Millfield managed two scores, the first from the powerful Seva Kava, to lead at halftime and further extended their lead to secure a 22-5 win. The home side had got off to a strong start with a 34-12 win over Hurstpierpoint College but then found themselves 19-0 down to St John’s Leatherhead who had run in two early scores. Although the home side fought back in the second half the Surrey school held on for the win.
With Millfield continuing to chalk up impressive wins, the focus was soon on who would qualify for the Plate final as Group runners-up. Epsom bounced back with convincing wins against neighbours and perennial rivals St John’s and against Hurstpierpoint, leaving them only needing to avoid losing by a wide margin to Hampton, and they made sure with a 15-10 win over the hosts. Hurst then managed to get one in the win column with a final play victory over St John’s.
Over on the all-weather pitch, there were fewer games in Group 2, John Fisher having withdrawn. Cranleigh, winners of the Cup for the past three years, showed that they once again have an outstanding Seven as they opened proceedings with a convincing 31-0 win over Gordon’s School. Brighton College also have a strong Sevens pedigree and they duly overcame St Benedict’s in the next game by a 17-7 score. With Bennies beating Gordon’s but losing 33-7 to Cranleigh, the Group reached a fitting climax when Cranleigh faced Brighton in the final game.
This was a match-up of the highest quality with both sides displaying tremendous athleticism and handling skills. Cranleigh got on the scoreboard first, and although Brighton found space on the left to equalise, the Surrey school ran back the restart before kicking through and regathering to score by the posts. With the conversion successful they led 12-5 at the interval. The Sussex school threatened to score early in the second half after fly-half Seb McNamara dummied his way through for a searing line break but was pulled down short of the line by excellent covering back from the Cranleigh wing. Brighton were nonetheless able to retain possession and gained their second try on the left. The conversion was unsuccessful. When, following the restart, Cranleigh were penalised on their own 22, Brighton opted for a scrum and their 9 used the blind side possession to race over and score on the left. The conversion attempt was again unsuccessful, but Brighton now led for the first time. However, they were penalised at the restart and Cranleigh moved the ball through the hands to create space on the left, their wing outpacing the defence to score, and the fly-half converting. With time running out, Brighton needed an instant response and after securing the restart they switched play to the left, where Sussex Schools 200m Champion Dillon Moss turned on the afterburners to race down the touchline and score. Although the conversion attempt was unsuccessful time had expired so there was no restart and Brighton took the game 20-19 and thus ran out as Group winners.
Sadly, the skies were darkening as the Plate Semi-Final kicked off on the all-weather pitch, Epsom arguably being at a disadvantage from having to switch from natural turf. Cranleigh showed no signs of disappointment after their loss to Brighton, running in three unanswered tries before the interval and, as the rain began to fall heavily, clinching the Plate by a 33-7 score.
With the rain already falling and skies suddenly darkening, the Cup final kicked off on the 1st XV Pitch 5 minutes after the start of the Plate. Millfield dominated the first-half territory and possession, their 14 sprinting clear on the left and touching down under the posts. Although Millfield were reduced to six players when the referee showed yellow for a high tackle, Brighton were unable to capitalise on that advantage and turnover ball followed by a line break in midfield gave the Somerset school a second try and a 14-0 lead at the interval.
Brighton responded quickly after halftime with a score on the left. The conversion attempt was missed, leaving Brighton still two scores behind, with the skies clearing and giving sunshine and a wonderful rainbow as a backdrop. Millfield were penalised on halfway and Brighton had a chance to narrow the gap, but possession was lost. The result was then put beyond doubt when a grubber kick though was regathered by Millfield who scored under the posts to secure a 21-5 win.
Hampton School Founders’ Day 7s Champions: Millfield
Plate Champions: Cranleigh
By Peter Crawshaw
Hampton School Founders’ Day 7s Results:
Final: Millfield 21-5 Brighton College
Plate Final: Cranleigh 33-7 Epsom College
Final Group Standings:
| Pos | Group 1 | Group 2 |
| 1 | Millfield | Brighton College |
| 2 | Epsom College | Cranleigh |
| 3 | Hampton | St Benedict’s |
| 4 | St John’s, Leatherhead | Gordon’s |
| 5 | Hurstpierpoint College | John Fisher |
