On Tuesday our U18 VII travelled to the National Vase Competition at Rosslyn Park. Two prior tournaments had given the boys a taste of what was to come, and they were certainly buoyed by their victory over Reed’s School at Halliford 7s on the previous Friday night.

Royal Hospital School were our first opponents of the day. They were strong, organised and clearly well-drilled. While TWBS played some good rugby, every little mistake was highlighted by our opposition who, despite a well-worked try to give Max Ratcliffe the space to put on his after-burners to score, were ruthless victors 42-7. They would go on to top the group and qualify for the QF on Wednesday. Our 2^nd game was against an equally physical but less skilful Shrewsbury School. Sadly the energy and discipline that TWBS showed in the first game was missing for the first half and we went into the break 12-0 down. A rejuvenated TWBS took to the pitch for the second half and played some excellent rugby at times. Another score by Max R gave hope, but ultimately a 7-12 loss was all we could show for it. Due to their late arrival, our final game against The Perse School had been conceded to us as a walkover, securing us 3^rd place in the group. Perhaps with that knowledge of the game being a “dead rubber”, TWBS were not as crisp in their passing not aggressive enough in completing tackles. 19-0 down at half time remained the score at full-time, with captain Fynn Starkie’s dislocated thumb (not pictured, you will be glad to know!) the only casualty of the second half. A great day out and the final chance for our Y13 rugby stalwarts to pull the shirt on. A team picture with Gloucester Rugby captain Lewis Ludlow one of the many memories they will take with them from the day.

Gareth Breen

Director of Sport