College hosts National rugby finals

The Epsom College campus was abuzz on Sunday with almost 1000 young rugby players aged 7 to 11, battling it out in the finals of this year's National Schools Rugby Tournament (NSRT).

The NSRT, now in its 15^th year, is the premier event in the prep schools rugby calendar, attracting over 170 teams from more than 80 schools. This was the ninth year that Epsom had hosted the finals

Now a familiar sight, families gathered and pitched their colourful domed tents around the boundaries of the pitches to enjoy a festival of rugby. Despite the bitterly cold conditions, teams from across the country gave spirited performances and upheld the traditions of good sportsmanship.

In the U8 tag final, a close encounter saw Lanesborough beat Denmead 35-30 to take the trophy. The Plate competition was won by St Faith's.

 The U9 competition saw Shrewsbury House and Cumnor House contest the main final, with Shrewsbury House emerging victorious with a 5-0 scoreline. The U9 Plate was shared by Thomas's Clapham and Winchester House.

 It was a similar story in the U10 final, with St Columba's School scoring the only try to beat QEGS Wakefield 5-0. The Croft School took the U10 Plate.

In the U11 final, no quarter was given by either side as QEGS and Cranmore fought out a 0-0 draw to share the title. Both sides thrilled the large crowd with their tackling and determination. Chesham Prep won the Plate.

Trophies were presented by Epsom College Headmaster Stephen Borthwick, who spent the day watching the matches and talking to parents. "We are delighted once again to be part of this national tournament, which gives young players the opportunity to show their talent in a competitive, but friendly environment," he said.

The U13 final, played a week earlier at King's House School, was won by Homefield with a 5-0 victory over St John's Beaumont. The Plate was shared by Cumnor House and Shrewsbury House.