There were not too many fixtures over the weekend, with most schools still on half term. However what games there were, were outstanding.
Scotland had a strong fixtures list, having broken up for the break slightly earlier, while in England there were a handful of simply epic encounters.
With so few games though, there is no sense in beating about the bush, it’s straight into the 8th Top 5 School Teams of the Weekend this season!
Top 5 School Teams of the Weekend – Week 8:
Harrow
It has been a tough old run for English sides this year against their Irish counterparts, but on Saturday Harrow played some lovely stuff against Clongowes Wood College despite missing a number of key players. The back to back Continental Tyres Schools Cup champions took an early lead, were level at 19-19 at the break, and were level at 31-31 at full time, a very positive result against Clongowes Wood – who are unlucky not to make the list themselves, but, sadly for them, it is currently restricted to England, Scotland, and Wales. Harrow’s games come thick and fast now, starting on Wednesday as they travel to Richard Hale in defence of their Cup crown.
Merchiston Castle
The winner of Merchiston Castle’s epic clash with George Watson’s College was always likely to make the Top 5. Both sides arrived at Merchiston unbeaten, they are probably the best two sides in Scotland, though Strathallan and Stewart’s Melville might have a word or two to say, and it was a key clash at the top of the Scottish Schools and Club U18 Open league. It was Merchiston that claimed victory, a superb 22-7 victory, inflicting a first defeat of the season on the visitors, and moving Merchiston just six points behind them with two games in hand. Now they look ahead to a Cup quarter final at Loretto with real confidence.
Sedbergh
Sunday was a bonkers game as Sedbergh travelled down to Northampton School for Boys for a game that saw a staggering 14 tries, and room for a fair few more as well. The game had a huge buildup, 1st v 3rd in the Daily Mail Trophy, the best state school in the country v one of the most famous names in world rugby, arguably the top two around going head to head. Whoever came out on top was bound to be in the Top 5, and it was Sedbergh that did, 43-37. It was a performance that required real heart as NSB kept coming battling back in, so much so that they are unlucky to not be included themselves, but also where Sedbergh showed some staggering quality with ball in hand. A game for the ages, and a terrific achievement from Sedbergh. You can relive the whole game below or on the NextGenLive YouTube Channel.
Skinners’
Skinners’ made the Top 5 at the end of last half term after completing the unbeaten half term, and they make it back to back appearances after a performance on Saturday that not only extended that unbeaten run, but that was also a huge statement as they scored a staggering 64 points against a Dartford Grammar School side that has actually been playing some really nice stuff this season. Skinners’ are looking utterly formidable every time they take the field. Just as well, as their next is a massive knockout game against The Judd.
Stewart’s Melville
Stewart’s Melville travelled to Dollar Academy as favourites on Saturday, but their performance exceeded even that. A brilliant 38-0 victory that will please them on both sides of the ball, the 38 points superb, but the 0 perhaps even more impressive. The victory also meant that they could capitalise on Merchiston Castle’s defeat of George Watson’s in the Scottish Schools and Clubs U18 Open League, moving into second in the table, 5 points shy of George Watson’s, with a game in hand – right in the hunt. A terrific day’s work.
