Sedbergh derail Cranleigh’s bid for a third consecutive title with an outstanding victory in the final of the Rosslyn Park HSBC National Schools 7s Cup 2018.
Cranleigh had been undefeated throughout the competition and, following their success at the Surrey 7s, were considered by many to be favourites to lift the Cup for an incredible third consecutive year, a feat last achieved by Llanelli College no less than 55 years ago.
They began the final strongly and opened the scoring, but Sedbergh struck back immediately with an outstanding break through the middle from the their lightning-quick number 9, Tom Walsh, who was subsequently awarded the Akuma Player of the Tournament Award. Sedbergh kept the pressure on and went on to score a further 2 tries to lead 21-5 at the break.
Cranleigh were desperate for an early score in the second half, but Sedbergh kept them out with resolute defending while controlling the pace of the game with ball in hand. Cranleigh finally went over to make the score 21-12, but by then it was too little too late and Sedbergh again hit back with a try at the death to seal the victory.
Final score: Sedbergh 26-12 Cranleigh.
It rounded off an incredible week for Sedbergh who had also been crowned champions in the Colts tournament on Wednesday.
Plate Competition
In the Plate final, Hampton led 12-7 against a strong Hartpury side. But with a man down following a yellow card, Hartpury quickly conceded two tries and Hampton went on to win in style 29-12.
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For more on the Cup, check out XV Rugby’s comprehensive report »