The first full weekend of action since the half term break was an absolute cracker, with brilliant games, outstanding performances, and no little drama right across the board.
Teams seemed to pick up from exactly where they left off before the break – in full throttle. It has made for the most exceptional season of schools rugby to date, and one suspects there is plenty more of the same to come in this season of such unpredictability. It seems as though anybody and beat anyone on any given day. Perceived pecking orders are just that, perceived.
Ten to Watch
Our Ten to Watch almost epitomised that with some superb contests and some results that went against the theoretical pattern of the season.
The NextGenLive cameras were at Macclesfield RUFC where King’s Macclesfield hosted Denstone College in a real ding dong of a game. Two first half tries from Denstone saw them lead at the break, but only 10-9 as King’s Macc played a smart game, taking points when on offer. That tactic saw them nudge into the lead 12-10 after the break before a converted score saw them stretch that to 19-10. Denstone scored a third in the final play to leave the game deservingly close at 19-15, but it was King’s Macc that left with the spoils at the end of an epic evening.
Elsewhere on Saturday there were some incredible things going on, perhaps nowhere more so than at Cheltenham College, where they hosted Millfield and took an incredible 35-7 victory. Cheltenham have been brilliant this year, and there was a feeling that they could cause Millfield some real problems, few would have seen such brilliantly devastating victory coming though. Outstanding from Cheltenham College.
Clifton College also had a Saturday to remember, travelling to the recently crowned St Joseph’s Festival Champions Wellington College. Their hosts were probably the narrow favourites, but in an epic contest it was Clifton College that found a way to edge to victory, 18-17, in a game that almost always seems to turn out to be a thriller. The question of who is the best side in the country remains tantalisingly up in the air.
One contender is certainly Sedbergh School, who backed up last week’s thriller at NSB with another exciting display against Warwick, whom they have been stung by in the past. The visitors gave a good account of themselves, but Sedbergh, back on Buskholme, were excellent for a 33-20 victory and a superb start to this second half of term.
In the first half of term Epsom College and Cranleigh both proved themselves to be outstanding sides, so their meeting on Saturday was always set to be pretty blockbuster. For Epsom College, it was box office as they put in what has to be one of their most impressive displays of the season to secure an excellent 28-12 victory, starting this second half of the season off in real style.
One of the biggest games of the weekend was in the Continental Tyres U18 Schools Cup, where Oxford rivals Radley College and Abingdon met at Radley in a South West B regional semi final. Radley have major ambitions in this competition this year, their U15s won the tournament in 2024, and they have been outstanding as a 1st XV this season. So too have Abingdon though, who arrived unbeaten and having one of their greatest seasons. Radley, however, were at their very best. They played brilliantly to race to a 28-0 lead, adding another for 35-0 in the second half before Abingdon showed a few flashes of their best to narrow the final score to 35-14. Heartbreak for Abingdon, but a warning shot to all-comers from Radley. You can read our full report from the game here: Radley College v Abingdon – Report.
One game that had plenty of heads turning ahead of the weekend was Brighton College’s trip to St John’s Leatherhead. St John’s have been excellent this season, but against the best they just haven’t quite managed to get the result they are after, would they manage it on home turf against an excellent Brighton College side? They gave it a good go, but this Brighton College side, despite some notable absentees, are a smart group that knows how to manage games and that was exactly what they did to secure a solid 21-14 victory to set up for a massive game against Epsom College next time out.
In Yorkshire there was a classic fixture between two legends of schools rugby, Ampleforth College and Stonyhurst, and it played out like that on the field in an absolutely epic contest that could have swung either way. Both sides threw everything at it, looking for bragging rights in what is a real derby game, but it was the visitors, Stonyhurst, that came away with the spoils, 20-17.
Buckinghamshire meanwhile saw two exciting sides for head to head as Stowe welcomed St Edward’s Oxford. Given both sides quality, and the ambition they play with, it should be no surprise that a high scoring game ensued, with the excellent Stowe, who really have been good this season, taking the victory by an impressive 38-24 margin.
There was just the one game in the Ten to Watch on Friday, a interesting looking fixture at Bromsgrove, who hosted Rugby School. It felt like one that either side could take, each has had their moments of brilliance this season so a classic felt as though it was coming. It was a cracking game, both sides showing why people have been impressed of late, but it was the host that had the control in the game, Bromsgrove taking victory 27-19.
Ten to Watch Results
Ampleforth College 17-20 Stonyhurst
Bromsgrove 27-19 Rugby
Cheltenham College 35-7 Millfield
Epsom College 28-12 Cranleigh
King’s Macclesfield 19-15 Denstone College – LIVE
Radley College 35-14 Abingdon (Cup Round 3, South West B)
Sedbergh 33-20 Warwick
St John’s Leatherhead 14-21 Brighton College
Stowe 38-24 St Edward’s, Oxford
Wellington College 17-18 Clifton College
Friday 7th November
Friday was an outstanding day of rugby, and in Scotland there was knockout action as George Watson’s College booked their place in the Scottish Schools Cup semi finals after a fantastic performance at home against Edinburgh Academy, winning 38-7. Outside of the knockouts there was also a terrific performance from Hutchesons’ Grammar, who defeat St Aloysius’ College 34-14.
In England, Stamford had an impressive outing against old rivals Oundle, winning 25-12 in a display that will have pleased them, without doubt. Also in the Midlands, Princethorpe College were terrific at Wellingborough, putting in a fantastic display for a 33-0 victory.
In Kent, Maidstone Grammar showed their quality, winning a close game against one of the recent giants of the region, Sutton Valence. An exciting 19-14 effort.
In the South West Hereford 6th form College are in good form heading into this Friday’s LIVE Apple Cup encounter with Hereford Cathedral School, beating Cathedral School Llandaff 12-0 on Friday evening.
Friday Results
George Watson’s College 38-7 Edinburgh Academy (Cup QF)
Hereford 6th form College 12-0 Cathedral School, Llandaff
Maidstone GS 19-14 Sutton Valence
St Aloysius’ College 14-34 Hutchesons’ GS
Stamford 25-12 Oundle
Wellingborough 0-33 Princethorpe College
Saturday 8th November
Saturday saw some superb action all over the country. Starting in Scotland with another of the Scottish Schools Cup quarter finals as Stewart’s Meville booked their place with a tight 15-7 victory at Glenalmond College. Outside of the knockouts Strathallan impressed in the Schools & Clubs Open League, staying in touch with the top of the table after a 34-10 victory at Dollar Academy. Elsewhere, Robert Gordon’s College won an exciting game at Loretto, 33-21, while Glasgow High School impressed against the George Watson’s 2nd XV, winning 45-19.
In England, and the North East in particular, there were some fantastic game. Woodhouse Grove travelled up to Durham and a cracking contest broke out, a real nail biter that just went the way of the Yorkshire side, 22-19. Meanwhile Dame Allan’s hosted RGS Newcastle, the visitors played well but Dame Allan’s had enough to win by a score, 21-14.
Travelling from the North East to Yorkshire were Barnard Castle, who travelled to St Peter’s York for an outstanding contest. The two sides could hardly be separated but it was this superb Barnard Castle group that held out for a 21-19 victory on the road. Heading South from Yorkshire were Pocklington, who were at Worksop College. The visitors gave it everything, but Worksop were in great form, winning an exciting game 35-24.
Over in the North West, Manchester Grammar and Altrincham Grammar played out a thriller, Manchester Grammar just edging it 24-22, meanwhile Kirkham Grammar’s 2nd XV showed the depth of quality at Kirkham, beating the Cheadle Hulme 1st XV 25-21 away from home. St Ambrose College were sensational, beating Sandbach 72-0, and Birkenhead were in very similarly daunting form, beating Oswestry 67-14.
Further South, Bloxham were outstanding away at Old Swinford Hospital, earning a 37-17 away victory. Travelling from the West Midlands were Bablake, who were 7-5 victors at Nottingham High School. Back the other way, KES Birmingham enjoyred a 32-10 victory over Loughborough Grammar.
Travelling from Birmingham to Wales were Solihull, who took on Monmouth in an epic, winning 40-35, one of the best games of the day. Back in England and Worcestershire, Dean Close were at Malvern College and put in a magnificent display for a 49-19 victory on the road. Brilliant from Dean Close.
Dean Close’s native Gloucestershire saw the ever brilliant Sir Thomas Rich’s victorious again, they hosted Pate’s Grammar and sealed another impressive victory, 47-14. Along the road Wycliffe College won 20-7 at Westonbirt, while King’s Gloucester earned a 34-21 victory over Bristol’s QEH. In Bristol, an epic derby day contest between Bristol Grammar and Collegiate. It was a classic encounter that could have gone any way. Collegiate thought they had won it, but a dramatic late score from Bristol Grammar levelled the game up at 38-38, a stunning game of rugby.
In Somerset, Wells Cathedral came out on top at Rendcomb College Jonny Wilkinson Cup, putting in a series of excellent displays. Wellington School were also in excellent form, winning a fantastic contest at MonktonCombe 35-22. Exeter School travelled up from Devon to take on King’s College Taunton and returned after a glorious performance with all the spoils, sealing a 59-19 victory. There was Cornish success in Somerset too as Truro School won a tight game at West Buckland, 24-17.
Travlleing out of Somerset to Canford were Taunton School, who again showed their quality in a fantastic display for a 33-14 victory. Meanwhile in Wiltshire at Marlborough College came another brilliant display from Sherborne, whose story this year has been outstanding, they took a 28-15 victory. Superb form from the sky blues.
Hampshrie saw a tight 12-12 draw at Ryde, they hosted Portsmouth Grammar. Meanwhile at Embley it was Berkshire’s Pangbourne College that came out on top, winning 36-7 on the road. Back in Berkshire, Reading Blue Coat had one of their best days of the season. They hosted The Oratory and put in a stunning display for a 52-14 victory.
Along the M4 to West London, St Benedict’s were, as they have been so often this season, utterly brilliant, beating Shiplake College by a staggering 61-7 margin. In South West London there were some great displays too, Cardinal Vaughan were 22-0 victors over Isleworth & Syon, while London Oratory won a tight one at Halliford, 28-22. Fulham Boys were also on song, an excellent 30-10 home victory over Latymer Upper.
One of the most poignant games in the area saw the annual Emanuel v Churcher’s College fixture take place. The fixture is played in remembrance of the evacuation of Wandsworth during World War Two, here pupils of Emanuel were housed by Churcher’s College and the wider Petersfield community. A fixture was created in remembrance, the Gurling-McMichael Cup, this year going the way of Emanuel, 17-15.
Down the A3 into Surrey, St George’s Weybridge were in sublime form, hosting Caterham and playing brilliantly for a 64-7 victory. Meanwhile RGS Guildford were excellent on the road at Reed’s, winning 36-13 after a very strong performance. Gordon’s were also victorious on the road, travelling to a good Reigate Grammar side and winning a good contest 26-13.
In Sussex Seaford College showed the quality that they have displayed in patches this season, beating RGS High Wycombe by a hugely impressive 40-15 margin. Meanwhile over at Eastbourne College, an epic, with Worth just taking the victory 24-20, a game where both sides threw the kitchen sink at it.
Across in Kent there were some stunning displays, nowhere more so than from Harrow, who travelled to Tonbridge and were at their ruthless best for a 54-14 victory on the road. Equally impressive were Skinners’,who remain unbeaten this season after another brilliant performance, 43-17 at home to Wimbledon College. Duke of York’s Royal Military are also flying this year, and were so again on Saturday, winning 46-5 against St Lawrence College. Meanwhile Gravsend Grammar were sensational at home against St Olave’s, winning 52-14. Sevenoaks had a very impressive win on the road at King’s Canterbury, 31-12, while Sir Joseph Williamson’s were 33-14 victors at home against Langley Park.
South East London saw some top performances, Whitgift were in strong form on the road at Dulwich College, winning 33-12, though there was much for Dulwich to be encouraged by. Along the road Eltham College were excellent at home to Coopers’ Coborn, winning 36-7. Out by the A13, Campion were again sensational, they have been outstanding this year, winning 43-0 against a very good side from The Judd.
In North London there was an outstanding display on the road from Haileybury, who were at Merchant Taylors’ and playing sublime rugby for a stunning 58-15 away win. Along the road Watford Grammar won 38-21 at home to UCS.
Mill Hill had another marvellous day, hosting a very good Uppingham side and playing some great rugby for a 31-14 victory. A superb outing for Mill Hill.
North into Hertfordshire, St George’s Harpenden had a great day at home to New Hall, winning 44-21, while St Albans’ 2nd XV had a stunning day, beating the QES Barnet 1st XV 50-0. Richard Hale continue to impress, securing a 20-5 victory over Aylesbury Grammar.
Further North to Bedfordshire, Oakham were in quite brilliant form. They travelled to Bedford School, who have been playing well of late, and put in a staggering performance for a 50-10 victory. Outstanding. Back in Hertfordshire Bishop’s Stortford High School were excellent for a 54-12 victory over Brentwood, while Suffolk’s Framlingham College were victorious at Bishop’s Stortford College, 29-12.
Over in Suffolk, Berkhamsted travelled to St Joseph’s College and came away with a highly impressive 38-12 victory, they are really an excellent side. Meanwhile Felsted won 26-7 at Royal Hospital School, a strong outing. Ipswich School travelled up to Norfolk for a big game against Norwich School, they put in a big performance too, winning 33-0.
Over in Cambridge, one of the performances of the weekend in a huge derby game as The Perse hosted The Leys. The Leys arrived in the better form, but even so very few would have seen coming what emerged, a truly outstanding display of rugby for a 55-5 derby victory for The Leys.
Saturday Results
Bedford 10-50 Oakham
Birkenhead 67-14 Oswestry
Bishop’s Stortford College 12-29 Framlingham College
Bishop’s Stortford HS 54-12 Brentwood
Bristol GS 38-38 Collegiate
Campion 43-0 The Judd
Canford 14-33 Taunton
Cardinal Vaughan 22-0 Isleworth & Syon
Cheadle Hulme 21-25 Kirkham GS 2nd XV
Dame Allan’s 21-14 RGS Newcastle
Dollar Academy 10-34 Strathallan
Duke of York’s RMS 46-5 St Lawrence College
Dulwich College 12-33 Whitgift
Durham 19-22 Woodhouse Grove
Eastbourne College 20-24 Worth
Eltham College 36-7 Coopers’ Coborn
Emanuel 17-15 Churcher’s College
Embley 7-36 Pangbourne College
Fulham Boys 30-10 Latymer Upper
Glasgow HS 45-19 George Watson’s 2nd XV
Glenalmond College 7-15 Stewart’s Melville (Cup QF)
Gravesend GS 52-14 St Olave’s GS
Halliford 22-28 London Oratory
Jonny Wilkinson Cup at Rencomb College: Wells Cathedral School
KES Birmingham 32-10 Loughborough GS
King’s Canterbury 12-31 Sevenoaks
King’s College, Taunton 19-59 Exeter School
King’s Gloucester 34-21 QEH
Loretto 21-33 Robert Gordon’s College
Malvern College 19-49 Dean Close
Manchester GS 24-22 Altrincham GS
Marlborough College 15-28 Sherborne
Merchant Taylors’ 15-58 Haileybury
Mill Hill 31-14 Uppingham
Monkton Combe 22-35 Wellington School
Monmouth 35-40 Solihull
Norwich 0-33 Ipswich
Nottingham HS 5-7 Bablake
Old Swinford Hospital 17-37 Bloxham
Reading Blue Coat 52-14 The Oratory
Reed’s 13-36 RGS Guildford
Reigate GS 13-26 Gordon’s
Richard Hale 20-5 Aylesbury GS
Royal Hospital 7-26 Felsted
Ryde 12-12 Portsmouth GS
Seaford College 40-15 RGS High Wycombe
Sir Joseph Williamson’s 33-14 Langley Park
Sir Thomas Rich’s 47-14 Pate’s GS
Skinners’ 43-17 Wimbledon College
St Albans 2nd XV 50-0 QES Barnet
St Ambrose College 72-0 Sandbach
St Benedict’s 61-7 Shiplake College
St George’s, Harpenden 44-21 New Hall
St George’s Weybridge 64-7 Caterham
St Joseph’s College 12-38 Berkhamsted
St Peter’s, York 19-21 Barnard Castle
The Perse 5-55 The Leys
Tonbridge 14-54 Harrow
Watford GS 38-21 UCS
West Buckland 17-24 Truro School
Westonbirt 7-20 Wycliffe College
Worksop College 35-24 Pocklington
Still to Come:
AKS Lytham v St Mary’s College
Bolton v Stockport GS
Bryanston v Kingswood
Clayesmore v King’s Bruton
Dartford GS v Cranbrook
Downside v Warminster
Dunottar v Wallington CGS
Ellesmere College v Calday Grange GS
Hurstpierpoint College v KCS Wimbledon
Merchant Taylors’, Crosby v St Anselm’s College
QEGS Wakefield v Bradford GS
Ravens Wood v Chislehurst & Sidcup GS
Wrekin College v Haberdashers’ Adams
