Wellington College fully lived up to their fearsome reputation at the 2013 Rosslyn Park HSBC National Schools Sevens Tournament, winning their third straight Festival title in defeating Tonbridge School.

After strolling through the group stage without conceding a single point on Tuesday, Wellington hit the ground running on day three of the world’s largest schools sevens tournament to see off Stowe School, Dean Close, The King’s School Worcester and King’s College Taunton in the semi-final.

Waiting for them in the final were Tonbridge but the defending champions showed their class and despite the muddy conditions produced some fantastic rugby to seal a 33-7 victory.

The win was Wellington’s fourth in five years at Rosslyn Park and 18-year-old Simon Sexton admitted his first emotion was one of relief after captaining the side in his final game for the school.  

“It is a big relief. We have always been looking to do this and with the school doing so well in years before it has always been a massive goal and it is also the climax to our season,” said Sexton.

“There was a lot of pressure on us so it is an absolute joy. We had a long and tricky run so it has been fully deserved.

“That’s three years in a row now and we had done so much preparation and we just had a job to do and so after every game we just ticked that box and moved onto the next one.

“It’s my last season for Wellington so it is a great way to finish. I was injured for the whole 15’s season because I injured my knee and I only got back a month ago. What a way to end.”

Tonbridge had battled their way through four exhausting knockout rounds on Wednesday, beating Truro School, Denstone College, Sherborne School and Bedford School en route to the showpiece.

But captain Matthew Eliet admitted after two fantastic days of rugby, beating the strong favourites and defending champions Wellington was just a step too far.

“We ran out of steam a bit there at the end which was a shame but it was great for everyone to pull through the group games and get this far is quite an effort,” said the 18-year-old.

“We had four knockout matches and defending champions Wellington in the final was just too far. It was muddy and slow under foot which took it out of you and it takes up so much energy running on these pitches but I am so proud of the team.

“This was my last game for the school so to lose it is disappointing but to get to the final is excellent. I have absolutely loved playing and captaining my mates and I am proud we managed to perform.”

Unfortunately the Colts competition was cancelled as a result of the bad weather, but the Girls and Open competitions are all set to get underway as planned.