Hymers College clinched a 32-28 win over Gravesend Grammar School in the Continental Tyres Schools U18 Bowl final.
Hymers College(Image: LEO WILKINSON PHOTOGRAPHY)
Hymers College’s head of rugby hailed his side’s efforts at both ends of the pitch after they clinched victory in the final of a prestigious national rugby competition. Paul Cook felt a strong second-half showing from his side made the difference in their 32-28 win over Gravesend Grammar School in the Continental Tyres Schools U18 Bowl final.
After a close opening 10 minutes at Trailfinders Sports Club, Hymers College broke the deadlock through Theo Bayram, before James Thompson’s try and Albert Worrall’s penalty pushed their lead to 15-0. Gravesend Grammar School crossed over to make it 15-7 at the break, but the Hull-based outfit rallied in the second half as tries from Keiji Ashaolu, Bayram and Patrick Yorke ensured victory in the showpiece, despite three further scores from their opponents to set up a nervy finish.
Cook said: “To get the win is excellent. We played really well. I thought we always looked threatening out wide. During the first 10 minutes of the second half, I thought we’d put the game away. But [Gravesend] came back into it and put us under real pressure. But I’m delighted that we dug in. We’ve got a bright future ahead of us.”
The competition pitted schools from all across the country against each other, aiming to increase participation. As of March 2, the number of Age Grade players is up 6% year on year at 181,453, with a huge 14% increase in girl’s registrations. Winning captain Will Kitching, 17, added: “We’ve worked hard all season and it goes to show that hard work pays off. I’m proud of leading this team and we’re looking forward to celebrating.”
RFU executive director of rugby development Steve Grainger said: “The Continental Tyres Schools Cup finals are a massive highlight for us; three days of rugby action, first at the Trailfinders then the Allianz. It’s a culmination of a huge amount of time, effort and energy for both the players and for the teachers in schools right across the country. We’ve seen a really high quality, right from the opening rounds. It’s intense, there are a huge number of schools that enter the competition and the quality of the rugby is so high, you are inevitably watching some stars of the future in these tournaments.”
The Continental Tyres Schools Cup is a vital part of the age-grade rugby landscape, with schools’ rugby often where players fall in love with the game for the first time. Catch all the latest highlights and updates from the competition by following @CommunityRugby.