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BEDFORD DEFEAT KCS IN THRILLER TO WIN 2014 FESTIVAL TITLE

27 Mar 2014


Bedford School were crowned Festival champions in a nail-biting finale to Thursday’s action at the Rosslyn Park HSBC National Schools Sevens after King’s College School, Wimbledon took them all the way.

The tournament was positively brimming with stars on Thursday, with England captain Chris Robshaw and international teammate Manu Tuilagi keeping a keen eye on the next flock of young talent.

And there was no greater showcase than in the Festival final as Bedford edged a 19-17 thriller over King’s College.

Bedford had already snuck into the semi-final stage – having picked up one win in their quarter-final group – but did not look back from there.

After all the high drama Bedford skipper Ollie Lyons, who was presented the cup by Wasps centre Ben Jacobs, admitted there is no greater feeling than success to cap off his school years.

“It’s amazing, I can’t really put it into words,” said the 18-year-old. “It’s the best send-off we could ever have, 11 years of rugby at school and then we go and win here.

“We were confident before we turned up but we had a bit of a shaky start and lost a couple of games we probably shouldn’t have. But the boys fought back and I’m very proud.”

In the Festival Plate final it was a more one-sided affair as Marlborough College scooped up the trophy by 33-5 against St Peter’s, York.

The Open competition also got underway on Thursday – with the finest 90 rugby-playing schools across England and Wales locking horns.

There is a special prize on offer as the winners will receive the chance to run out at Twickenham during the ninth and final round of the HSBC Sevens World Series in May.

Whitgift School – Open runners-up in 2012 – were one of a number of teams to make it to Friday’s knockout stages unscathed but captain Stan South insists his side must not rest on their laurels.

“We’re going to take it step-by-step, and will approach each game as it comes,” said the teenager.

 “The step up in competition has been good for the team and I’ve really enjoyed playing the Welsh teams too, they’re very physical.”

Millfield School also won four out of four at the group stage and ex-pupil Robshaw was one of their many on-looking admirers.

And with history of success at the tournament himself, the prestige is not lost on the Harlequins flanker.

Robshaw said: “It’ always a fantastic tournament and I was excited to see my old school get on, Millfield, I’ve won once having played at Under-13s, 15s and 18s level.

“It’s brilliant that you get to play against all the best teams in the country and Wales. It’s a vital tournament for helping the game grow, as young guys go against the best players under a lot of pressure.”

The 2014 tournament concludes tomorrow with the final rounds of the Open competition and the Girls and Girls AASE competitions.

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