Ellesmere College First XV Secure National Plate Semi-Final Spot

This afternoon, Ellesmere College proudly welcomed Scarborough College for a thrilling Quarter-Final clash in the National Plate rugby competition. The atmosphere on the First XV pitch was electric, with a strong turnout from pupils, parents and members of the wider school community who came together to support the team.

From the first whistle, both sides demonstrated exceptional skill, determination and passion. Scarborough started strongly, applying pressure and showcasing their attacking flair, but Ellesmere responded with resilience and composure. The intensity of the contest was evident in every tackle and every phase of play, as both teams worked tirelessly to gain the upper hand.

Ellesmere’s hard work paid off with some truly memorable moments. The forwards dominated in the set piece, securing crucial possession, while the backs displayed pace and creativity to break through Scarborough’s defensive line. A combination of disciplined defense and clinical finishing allowed Ellesmere to build momentum and take control of the scoreboard.

The final score of 30–13 reflects the effort and commitment of the entire squad. Every player contributed to the victory, and the support from the touchline added to the sense of occasion. It was a closely fought contest, and Scarborough played their part in making it a fantastic game of rugby.

What stood out most was the level of sportsmanship shown by both teams. Players and staff from both schools should feel immensely proud of the way their players represented their communities, upholding the values of respect and fair play throughout.

With this win, Ellesmere advances to the Semi-Finals of the National Plate, and the team now eagerly awaits the draw to discover their next opponents. Congratulations to the First XV and coaching staff on a superb performance, and thank you to everyone who came to support and make the day so special.