As  winners of the Kings Worcester Rugby Sevens Tournament, on Wednesday this week, Ellesmere College 1st Sevens put together a magnificent run of matches and triumphantly took the title again this year.

In the group rounds the most difficult game was against Bromsgrove who played a physical kick and rush brand of sevens rugby that was very effective. The quarter final was a comfortable win against Cheltenham and the team played very effectively scoring some excellent tries by moving the ball wide. The semi final ended up being a close shave after the team had looked comfortable, moving to 14 0 up after two excellent attacking kick offs that gave us soft scores. This was just as well as the opposition recovered to narrow it to 19 14 and were pushing Ellesmere hard. A superb tackle by Will Goodwin brought down their strike runner, followed by further tackles that led to a turnover and we ran away to finish the match off.

The final was an epic encounter against old rivals Old Swinford. The Ellesmere team started well with a superbly taken try from Lloyd Hayes, who played every minute of the competition, leading by example throughout. Ellesmere led 14 0 after playing excellent sevens and putting Iwan Phillips one on one against the full back who he danced around to score under the posts. Just before half time it looked as though we might score again as a move that started from behind our own line swept down the field. Unfortunately when looking for support there was an interception from the last pass that resulted in Old Swinford scoring. At half time the result was 14 7.

After the turn round, Ellesmere was put under immense pressure and although never missing a tackle, Old Swinford  succeeded to get around the team for two tries. With two minutes to go it was time to stand up and be counted, we were 19 -14 down. A great break from George Baxter and an offload in the tackle saw the fresh legs of Andy Coughbrough score wide out. Ellesmere College regained possession and with the last play of the game we were given a penalty which the team ran from the half way. The ball moved out to the wing where for a second time Iwan Phillips danced round his opposite man and sprinted off up field. The sweeper came across to cover and a great pass inside saw Andy Coubrough go in under the posts. This was followed by the kick and final whistle.

Ian Williams, Director of Rugby, commented, This was a great tournament for the team and a magnificent final match that went right down to the wire. The Ellesmere boys wanted it, produced some great rugby and took the Cup. Well done to them all.

SQUAD
L Hayes L Walters J Webb M Jones B Phillips I Phillips O Brereton W Goodwin A Oakden A Coughbrough G Baxter T King.

20th March 2010  Back to News