In the final week of the Lent term, 4 rugby teams attended the Rosslyn Park National School 7s in Wimbledon, the world's largest rugby tournament.
Early in the week the U14 and U16 squads played some excellent rugby against strong opposition both drawing against Bedford School, The winners of both their pools. The U13 squad had a brilliant experience drawing one of their matches, losing two and winning two, with great improvements made throughout their day of competition.
Facing a big challenge, the 1st VII played in the main U18 cup competition for the first time. In the first game of the day, they came back from 17-0 down against Wasps 6th form College to win 28-22. Next was Sedbergh School, who sit consistently at the top of the schools rugby tree. Jack Minns shocked the favourites with a try after 15 seconds and it was an epic tussle in front of a large crowd. The final score was 26-12 to Sedbergh, with the 1st VII receiving many plaudits for the part they played in what was the game of the day. A strong win against Richard Huish College set the boys up for a must win game against Welsh powerhouse Llandovery College in order to qualify for the second day. As conditions deteriorated, the boys remained calm holding a slender lead before Pieter De Lange crashed over in the final moments, ensuring Norwich School would compete in day 2.
The reward for qualification was a pool including Millfield School and Wellington College along with Saracen's and Bristol 6th form Colleges. At half time against Millfield, Norwich held the lead 12-7, with tries from Jonnie Ikazoboh and Harvey Nkrumah. However, Millfield's scored 3 unanswered tries in the second half, taking the match. Against Bristol, Norwich found themselves 14-0 down before Freddie Snary started dictating the play, with Roo Hollis and Spencer Gray scoring vital tries to seal a 17-14 victory. Next up was Wellington College and David wasn’t letting Goliath off the hook this time. Keeping possession for 12 of the 14 minutes in the match, Norwich held Wellington at arm’s length, before Oscar Ratledge and Jack Blackham combined to get the ball off with Norwich winning 17-12. With Millfield not missing a beat in their other matches, it was apparent that Norwich would narrowly miss out on the plate final but with 6 Leavers about to run on for their last appearance in the hoops, there would be no letting up against Saracens 6th form. Alfie Mann and Will Waller continued to do the hard yards, giving Norwich physical parity in the contest and Jack Blackham steered the team superbly as well as scoring a key try as the contest hung in the balance. Saving the best for last, Tobias Spencer calmed Norwich nerves racing 70 metres to put the gloss on the victory with time almost up.
Norwich School won 6 out of 8 games across the two days, with every member of the squad playing a huge part. This was the perfect ending for those soon to be leavers, who have been outstanding rugby players, and more importantly, outstanding young men. The group has forged a special connection based on genuine care for one another through the season and it shone brightly for all who were fortunate enough to watch them play.