Bishop’s Stortford Junior School from Hertfordshire took the Preparatory Tournament in the Rosslyn Park HSBC National Schools Sevens today. 

The college overcame Danes Hill from Surrey 21-19 in a thrilling final. Bishop’s Stortford stretched to a 14-0 lead but Danes Hill pulled back two tries before half-time to make it 14-12 at the break. And Danes Hill ran in a try of their own to take a 19-14 lead – with Bishop’s Stortford down to six men. However, credit to the eventual champions, as they rallied and crossed over to make it 21-19. In a frantic final minute of play, both sides attempted to make one final charge only for the ball to go dead leaving Bishop’s Stortford as the champions. 

Bishop’s Stortford Junior School’s head of rugby Sandy Barnard was a very relieved man at the full-time whistle and paid tribute to his side.

“It’s been a fantastic two days and I am so proud of the lads,” Barnard said. “I was shaking at the final whistle, but the boys showed great character and to score the winning try when down to six men was just a great effort. 

“We have had a very good XV season and hopefully the boys will continue playing the way they have today, meaning that we can give the next few competitions a good go over the coming years.”

HSBC ambassador Ben Gollings presented the trophy to the winning side and praised the youngsters. He had flown in straight from Hong Kong for the tournament and had an action-packed day in and around the budding players. 

Gollings said: “I’ve been doing some coaching clinics and giving the boys some hints and tips about the sport in general. But most of all, I’ve been enjoying the great rugby on show. 

“The Prep school boys’ final is certainly right up there in terms of skill level. Both sides defended really well, but they also moved the ball well and showed some great tactics to get over the line.”

Photographs by capturetheevent.com