Boys’ 1st VII Win Tournament
On Sunday 9 March, our 1st VII showcased their skill, teamwork, and resilience at the prestigious Uppingham Sevens tournament. The team won the U18 Cup after winning four out of five games against an array of reputable opposition. They used their pace and mobility to manipulate and outclass the teams they faced.
The tournament began with a tough group that included the hosts. The team won two out of three matches, including two tight affairs against St Joseph’s College and Felsted School. This meant they finished second behind the hosts and had to face the winner of Group A, Bedford School.
The semi-final went back and forth with both sides scoring at will. As the game progressed, the team’s ability to move the ball to width proved too much for Bedford, and the match finished 31-22. They then progressed to the final against Stamford, who had just defeated the favourites, the hosts. However, the team was undeterred and put together their most complete performance of the day. What Stamford had over them in size, the team more than made up for in speed and skill, often beating their opposition numbers in the wide channels. Stamford fought hard early on, but the team ran away with the game in the second half, winning 24-10.
1st XV Coach Mr. Jeannot commented: “The boys should be incredibly proud of their performance today. They have been incredible throughout the year and truly deserve the recognition. It would have been easy at a tournament like this to ease off or hide, but the boys fought for every scrap today. This team is such a special group, and they will remember today long after they leave The Leys, which is the greatest gift we can give them.”