All Roads Lead to Rosslyn Park: Sedbergh in Fine Form as RPNS7 Approaches

With Rosslyn Park National Schools Sevens (RPNS7) tournament now just two weeks away, schools across the country are preparing for what is the ultimate showcase of school-age rugby, with over 15,000 boys and girls, aged 11-18, ready to compete for silverware.

This year’s competition will be Director of Rugby, Simon Mulholland’s last one in charge of the 1st VII and he will be looking to leave his role on a high, before moving back to his native New Zealand. While the 1st VII have a difficult group on Day 1, they will go into the tournament on the back of some impressive results and claiming two tournament wins in the process.
Across the school, Rugby Sevens is flourishing at Sedbergh. With multiple age groups picking up trophies this season and all enjoying the free-flowing, expansive rugby that Sedbergh is synonymous with.

Boys U18A (1st VII) v TSC 7s Tournament (A) Won Final v Millfield 38-0
In a much anticipated and hugely competitive two-day tournament at Sixways in Worcester, Sedbergh topped their group on day one with impressive victories over Hartpury, Mill Hill & NSB. Day two saw us paired with Seaford, Bromsgrove and Wellington. Sedbergh’s patience and execution on the ball was getting better and better with every minute together on what was a very fast 4G surface that favoured teams on the ball and who consistently won the possession battle.
Defensively it was tough going, and we continued to work hard as a group and squeezed opposition into long periods of phase play. Seaford struggled with our intensity and a much-fancied Bromsgrove side were then beaten 34-14 in a very impressive display. Wellington pushed us all the way and late composure saw us secure the victory in the dying minutes. The winners of group B were Millfield in a match and experience we wanted against a very good side. In a simply outstanding display Sedbergh’s intensity was relentless as we scored three brilliant first half tries, with the third after an exhausting D set that lasted over two mins which forced a turnover to present Ash firth with an 80-metre solo effort.
The second half was all Sedbergh again as we put in incredible defensive display which led to further pressure and opportunity on the ball. Another three sensational tries followed as we won a famous 38-0 victory. This was a whole squad display with all players giving their all and adding (I can’t just name individuals as this was a special final performance).

Boys U16A v Warwick 7s Tournament (A) Cup Winners
A1 went into the Warwick sevens keen to retain the trophy fir the third successive year. Having won the Durham and Sedbergh U16 7’s, plate winners of the Woodhouse 7’s it was A1 who had the thirst for another tournament victory.
The Brown played well on their group games, beating RGS High Wycombe 24-0. Solihull 49-12 and scrapped past a physical Shiplake side 31-28.
Into the knockout rounds, and a good win over RGS Worcester 31-0 meant a tough semi final against much favoured Hampton. At half time Hampton led 14-12, but with composure and resilience A1 upped their game and won superbly 29-14.
Into the final against Millfield and again down at half time 19-14, three second half tries to one meant the A1 side bringing the cup back for a third successive year, much to the happiness of coaches Coke and Mahon.

Boys U14A v Warwick 7s Tournament (A) Cup Winners
Colts C claimed their first ever piece of silverware in Brown at the Warwick School 7s, coming through a challenging pool stage and winning three tight encounters in the knockout stages.
Sedbergh started the day somewhat sluggishly against Bishop Wordsworth’s School but held out for a 21-19 victory. There was progress against RGS, High Wycombe with a 26-7 win, but more importantly a second half defensive period with a player in the sin-bin that started to set the tone for the defensive effort and determination that would underpin Brown’s tournament victory.
RGS Worcester had looked strong in their two preceding victories and the pool decider was a nail-biting affair, ending with a 21-21 draw. This was a significant step-up in intensity and was the first real sign that Sedbergh could launch a serious challenge for the title. Progressing as runners up in the pool due to inferior points difference, Sedbergh faced pool winners Warwick in the quarter final. A 26-19 victory saw Sedbergh play Kirkham Grammar School in the semi final, and a 22-12 win set up a rematch with RGS Worcester in the final.
Worcester’s physical approach again challenged Sedbergh but the battle-hardened boys in Brown managed to produce their best performance of the day. Again, it was the Sedbergh defence and doggedness that shone through. With the scores level one minute before half time, Sedbergh attacked patiently before Rorke Anderson produced a moment of magic with a behind the back offload to create space and unlock the Worcester defence. This key moment gave Sedbergh the momentum to further increase their lead in the second half, finishing with a 22-10 scoreline and a well-deserved cup victory.
Whilst this was a superb squad effort, captain Jake Goodhart was exceptional all day in both attack and defence, with many lung-busting efforts. The moment of the day however was Hamish Fergusson tracking back in defence over 40 metres to complete a tackle and slow down the ball, before five more Brown shirts beat the next opponent to the ensuing play. The really exciting reflection is that this team has a lot of progress still to make, but the foundations are beginning to look extremely solid.

Boys U15A v Ampleforth College 7s Tournament (A) Cup Winners
B1 won the Ampleforth sevens tournament. It was a competitive tournament with strong performances by QEGs Wakefield and RGS Newcastle that challenged Sedbergh.
The final was won on golden points which made for a dramatic finish. Strong performances from Reuben Carrs and Fred Taylor helped B1 bring home the cup again.