The senior Sevens team started the 2020 season impressively by winning the Shiplake tournament on Sunday, 2nd February.

In the opening match a skilful Tonbridge side caused Wellington trouble in a game that saw Wellington concede first and lose two players to injury. However, a focussed and resilient response, which was to be the hallmark of the day, saw Wellington emerge 10-7 winners. More straightforward victories against Hurstpierpoint and Emmanuel, two sides that had caused problems in the past, saw us post a further 87 points while also developing a playing style that combined focus, flair and physicality.

The semi-final against Cheltenham College was another physical encounter but on a small and rain-lashed pitch stand-out efforts from Jake G and Kit B, who defended with tenacity but also managed to exploit the spaces available, saw Wellington into the final with a 28-14 win. Taking on a strong Clifton College on the main Shiplake pitch, Wellington went through the gears and despite the wet and blustery conditions produced some sparking rugby to win 33-12. In particular, Alex T completed a phenomenal day at the office by scoring a hattrick in the final – but throughout the day he was ably supported by Jack K and Max T, consistently tough defenders who caused havoc at the set pieces.

Hector E and Cassius F co-captained the side superbly, not only by understanding the fluctuating rhythms of a long tournament day, but also by leading through example in all that they did – it was their mental focus that set the tone for the team.

Credit should also be given to Finn T and Mason A, fifth formers who ably stepped up to compete at the higher level and play so well against powerful senior Sevens teams.