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The past week has been a remarkable one for the girls and boys of Wellington’s Rugby Sevens teams who have made history at two of the most prestigious competitions in the UK.
When the Lent Term began, ‘Girls Rugby’ did not exist at the College but when a group of girls asked if they could play rugby as a sports option back in January, the response was immediate: training sessions were organised, coaches from the Common Room were found, and a plan for the term ahead was put in place. Despite most of the girls having never played rugby before, one of the opportunities identified for competitive fixtures was the Reigate Grammar School Charity Sevens, one of the most prestigious tournaments in the country. After six weeks of training, the girls headed to Reigate in horrendous weather and, although the rain and mud continued to challenge all the teams, it became increasingly apparent after a number of early wins that the girls might have a chance of making the final. This they did and they carried the trophy off in fine style defeating a very strong Wallington side 17-0 in the final. What an achievement for the girls to be crowned unbeaten victors in their very first competition and in the week of International Women’s Day too!
Just seven days later, the U14 and U16 Boys teams headed off to the Queen Elizabeth Barnet Sevens, a prestigious 32-school competition featuring many of the top rugby schools from around the UK. Unbeaten in the 15-a-side season, things got off to a brilliant start for the U14s as they won their group with 131 points for and 0 against. Tough wins against Merchant Taylor’s and Wimbledon College in the quarter and semi-finals led to a showdown with an impressive Eton College side in the final. The skill, determination and sheer spirit of the Welly boys, however, was indomitable all day and a 21-10 victory crowned a superb day. Hopes were also high for the U16s who had won the Stowe School Sevens earlier in the week. Likes the Yearlings, the Colts won all three of their group games, and the boys then saw off New Hall and Langley School in the knock-out stage, before beating Whitgift (24-7) to secure the cup. Remarkably, the boys scored 215 points on the day and only conceded one try in the final.
Even more remarkably, this was the first time since 1986 that the same school had won both the U14 and U16 cups at this competition on the same day.
