With conditions perfectly suited to the style of 7s Epsom wanted to play, hopes were high going into the tournament. The first day of action only confirmed this, with the boys winning all three group games comfortably, scoring over 150 points and conceding zero.
The first real test came in the elimination game against a pacey Felsted side. Having started brightly, Epsom lost their way a little to find themselves 14-7 up but down to six players. However, the team reacted superbly to this adversity, eventually running out 38-14 winners.
The second day always poses a mental challenge
The second day always poses a mental challenge as much as a physical one. With groups containing three other elimination winners and one loss usually confirming an exit from the competition, the boys knew they had to be ready from the first kick-off.
Having come through a group containing Sedbergh and Bromsgrove, Bryn Celynnog Comprehensive were not to be underestimated. However, Epsom started superbly and never allowed the opposition any sustained possession, resulting in a 19-5 win. The battle against the Welsh schools continued with a comfortable 29-0 win against Haverford West High VC School, and it was great to see the continued development of the spirit within the squad. This set up a winner-takes-all tie against The Fulham Boys School. Again, the team dealt with the game superbly, relying on their superior skill set to see them top the group with a comprehensive 47-14 win and progress to the quarter-finals.
With the pressure of the knockout format, some teams can go into their shells a little. However, Epsom seemed to grow in confidence and relish the physical challenge posed by Brynteg. The first five minutes of this game showed how relentless work rate in attack and defence can pressurise the opposition into mistakes and lead to quick scores. A 41-19 win saw Epsom move into the semi-finals against more Welsh opposition in the form of Whitchurch High School.
Epsom faced their greatest test of the competition
It was at this point that Epsom faced their greatest test of the competition. After missing the chance to open the scoring, the team soon found themselves down 0-14. However, the comeback was set in motion by an Epsom reply and then a superb period of defence which saw the opposition kick the ball out voluntarily for half-time. After this, Epsom were able to draw level before a sin bin saw them reduced to 6. Whitchurch took advantage to edge back ahead, but an Epsom reply saw the game go into the final play at 19 all. Again, the team dealt with the pressure superbly and backed their skills to get over the line and progress to the final.
As they lined up to run out RE1 against Ysgol Gyfun Garth Olwg, Epsom were clearly focussed but relaxed, confident that if they performed to their potential, they would win the game. From the outset they pressurised the opposition into mistakes and were clinical with ball in hand, scoring four tries without reply before half-time. Although the opposition fought back admirably, Epsom’s squad depth allowed them to add fresh legs and run out 35-19 winners.
The boys should be immensely proud of their achievement and how they developed as a squad over the two days. Many thanks to all of the parents for their unwavering and respectful support throughout.
Group Stage 1
Vs Canford School, won 51-0
Vs Mount Kelly, won 53-0
Vs Malvern College, won 50-0
Elimination game
Vs Felsted, won 38-14
Group Stage 2
Vs Bryn Celynnog Comprehensive School, won 19-5
Vs Haverfordwest High VC School, won 29-0
Vs The Fulham Boys School, won 47-14
Quarter-final
Vs Brynteg School, won 41-19
Semi-final
Vs Whitchurch High School, won 26-19
Final
Vs Ysgol Gyfun Garth Olwg, won 35-19
Please see SOCS to view the match report.
