U16 Girls at Howden Rosslyn Park National School Rugby 7s 2025
Congratulations to the U16 Girls squad as they competed at the National Schools Rugby 7s event at Rosslyn Park, London, on Monday. The prestigious event is the biggest of its kind in the UK and in the Northern Hemisphere, with the girls putting Clyst Vale proudly on the map once more.
Placed in a group with Oundle School and Durrington High School, the girls got off to the best possible start, winning the former 35-19 with a hat trick of tries through speedy winger Charlotte, two from the long striding Jess and a strong close range finish from Savannah. Conversions were added through the boot of Bella. This set up a winner takes all clash against Durrington High School in the final pool game to determine who would top the group and go into the Cup competition. This school, with strong links to Harlequins RFC were formidable opposition and raced into a three, converted, try lead before half time. The Clyst Vale girls rallied and came close on a few occasions to dotting down themselves, however succumbed to a 21-0 defeat and second place in the group.
Second place in each pool then were drawn to play against another pool runner up, with our luck not being on our side this year! We were drawn against Jumeriah English Speaking School (JESS) of Dubai, with this side previously being runners up and winners of the competition in previous years due to their strengths and resources. JESS Dubai had around 50-100 parents, supporters and representatives around Pitch W1 for the round of 16 game, with them proving too strong for us and for every other team that they came up against after this point. They were crowned winners of the Plate at the end of the day beating Waterloo Schools from Belgium in the final.
To win a game and to lose to the eventual winners of a competition at Rosslyn Park 7s is no mean feat and something which many other school sides fail to do, so to do so well on the day is of immense credit to the girls. They were outstanding ambassadors for the College both on and off the pitch over the two days, being respectful and mature to everything and everyone they came across.
A big thanks must go to Mrs Elliot for assisting Mr Pearce on the trip, along with the three external students of Bella, Molly and Charlotte who enabled us to take a full 12-person squad to the event.
Thanks to Mr Geach for the photos of the games, too!
Congratulations to all of the squad: Jess (c), Grace, Savannah, Freya , Karly, Maisy-Beau, Lois, Isla, Bella , Molly & Charlotte.
