U15A Reach National Vase Semi Final
The Leys School U15A Rugby team successfully reached the Semi Finals of the RFU Schools National Vase, which took place on Sunday 3 March.
The Schools Cup is the RFU’s annual national school rugby tournament. With over 650 teams competing across the country at both U15 and U18 level, the tournament is one of the largest of its kind in the world. The competition offers chances of silverware at all levels through a four-tier structure (Cup, Plate, Vase and Bowl) and sees teams take part in fixtures all the way from September through to the finals in March.
The Leys U15A team had a strong start to the 2023-24 tournament, with victories against King’s Ely, Langley, Wymondham College, The Perse and Solihull to progress to the Quarter Finals against Calday Grange Grammar School, beating them 29-15. The run came to an end in the Semi Finals after a close game against Durham Cathedral Schools Foundation. The boys played some high-tempo rugby putting themselves in the lead in the second half, however, with one minute to go, conceded a penalty which Durham secured to take the victory 22-21.
Headmaster, Mr Priestley, commented: “It was a wonderful performance [in the Semi Final], several times coming back from difficult positions in the match to retake the lead, showing huge resilience and team spirit. It has been a fantastic cup run.”
Head of Rugby, Mr Clark, added: “Understandably, the team will be disappointed to get so close and not get over the line, but we are incredibly proud of their performances and their journey in this cup competition. To get this far in the Vase is no mean feat and a testament to their hard work and dedication. They have had a phenomenal season, and there is more to come from this group!”
Photographs: Colin Dobbyne