Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Wakefield (QEGS) got their hands on the first piece of silverware dished out at the 2013 Rosslyn Park HSBC National Schools Sevens Tournament as they pipped Warwick School to the Junior trophy.

Having fought their way through the rain and the group stage on day one, QEGS Wakefield showed no signs of slowing down on Tuesday, as they saw off the challenges of John Fisher School and Monmouth School to reach the final.

Waiting for them there was Warwick School, but in a thrilling finale they were unable to prevent QEGS Wakefield finishing top of the pile.

The showpiece swung either way, but QEGS Wakefield came out on top 21-19, much to the delight of 13-year-old Thom Stephenson.

“It was quite tense in the final and when we went behind at half-time, we knew we had to score quickly,” said JoThom, who received the trophy from former England coach Brian Ashton.

“Thankfully we did that and we just had to hold on in the final few minutes and we managed to do it.

“We definitely thought we had a chance of winning it when we first arrived but we knew it would be tough as everyone is really good here.

“We had to play out of our skin to win and it was tough, but we are so happy to have won it.”

Straight after the Junior winner was decided, it was the turn of the Preparatory schools with Aysgarth School going up against Dulwich Prep, London.

Aysgarth School had beaten reigning champions Bishop’s Stortford in their quarter-final earlier in the day and, clearly buoyed, they went all the way, beating Dulwich Prep 26-7 in the final.

And having failed to taste victory in last year’s competition, captain Harvey Williams was delighted at his school’s change of fortunes.

“It was really nerve-wracking playing in the final and playing in front of a crowd like that,” the 13-year-old said.

“But it was a great feeling at the end because I came with the team last year, but we didn’t win a single game.

“I think the difference this year is just a better team spirit and everyone was determined to turn it around and I am glad we did.”

Day two also saw the Festival competition get underway, with reigning champions Wellington College heading into Wednesday’s play-off matches in fine form yet again, winning all four of their group games.