Eltham College – Rosslyn Park National Schools Sevens

25 Apr 2019

On Thursday 28 March, the Under 18 7s team put in a solid performance at the Rosslyn Park National Schools Sevens tournament. The Rosslyn Park National Schools Sevens is the world’s largest rugby tournament with around 7,000 boys and girls aged 13 – 18 competing annually.

On day one, the team triumphed against Haileybury and The Windsor Boys’ School and only lost to the eventual winners Sedbergh School.

Unfortunately, they could not replicate the efforts of the previous day as the squad was exhausted due to being short of some players because of injuries. Despite the injuries, the team gave their all and did themselves and the School proud.

The Under 16 7s produced three excellent performances in the group stage of the tournament. An emphatic 45-7 win against Woodbridge School set the tone for the day, which included tries built from brilliant support play and offloading. The second game was a tighter affair although two brilliant long-range efforts from Ola-David and some intense work in defence by Charlie and Luke saw Eltham finish 26-15.

Five tries in seven minutes saw the boys come back from 15-0 down at half-time to win 28-19 against RGS High Wycombe. After a poor start, outstanding intensity and work rate in the second half resulted in Charlie going over for a fantastic score before Ola David sealed the deal with a last-minute try.

Unfortunately, we came up against a great Cardiff Blues feeder school in the ‘knockout’ last group game (who went on to beat Whitgift School in the following game). It was a fantastic day which topped off a successful 7’s season. The boys should feel proud of the teamwork, effort and maturity they showed in all competitions.