Pupils from the College Junior School were thrilled to meet former England Rugby Union Coach Sir Clive Woodward OBE, after being declared the U10 Plate winners of the country’s leading schools’ rugby tournament. More than 3,000 spectators, including Sir Clive, whose son plays for the Ridgeway U10 team, braved icy blasts to watch the up-and-coming players of tomorrow battling it out in Sunday’s 2005 Sport Abroad National Schools Rugby Tournament  held at Epsom College.

The College Junior School U10’s had amassed a staggering 140 points and conceded only two tries at Regional level to secure their place in the final. A total of 25 schools and 40 teams, involving 500 children, took part in the tournament  which drew a crowd in excess of 3,000. Despite a very promising first game against King’s Hawford, Worcester which they won 25-10, the South East regional champions struggled to find their best form coming slightly unstuck against Bristol Grammar School with a 10-10 draw. A combination of injuries and a very well drilled and physical outfit from Shrewsbury House School all contributed to a 10-0 defeat in the 3rd pool match and thus the young College players failed to make the semi-finals by a single point. Although disappointed, the team galvanised under the inspirational leadership of George Felgate, and went on to the Final of the Plate Competition which they won comfortably 30-0 playing against King’s Hawford for the second time. “To refuse to give up in the face of disappointment takes determination and perseverance and the lads showed true character,” said their coach and Junior School Deputy Head, Mike Crossley. “They learnt a great deal playing at this level and to be ranked 5th in the country at their first attempt is a terrific achievement and I am very proud of them.” 

Squad: Alex Ramsden, Alexander Mackaness, Rory MacGregor, Cameron Poulter, Jack Kramer, George Felgate, James Orbart, Tom Woolstencroft, Joss Linney, Jack Cullen, Jamie MacRae, Jake O’Keefe. Full details of the tournament can be found on the official website – www.nsrt.org.uk