LVS Ascot become national rugby champions in awesome unbeaten display
LVS Ascot have become national rugby champions after an unbeaten display at the ISA Rugby 7s Under 14 Championships on Friday 12th March.
The LVS squad played phenomenal rugby and won all of the day’s seven matches at the tournament held at Princethorpe College in Warwickshire – on three occasions keeping the opposition scoreline to zero.
It was a long, exhausting day for the twelve players and their coaches, PE teacher Bryce McMurray and Deputy Head Chris Seal. They started modestly with a close 20-17 win over Trinity School, and then dispatched Thorpe Hall and The Grange, with four tries from Callum Staunton.
This was followed by a 25-0 victory over Ibstock Place to decide the group, and a 36-0 win against Claire’s Court B in the quarter finals. The squad were playing brilliantly together, with the kick chase working perfectly and some displays of dangerous pace.
But fatigue and injury were beginning to take their toll. Early scorer Will had already been rushed to hospital with an arm injury, and several LVS boys were suffering from cramps, damaged fingers, and one bloody nose. They fell behind 10-5 in their semi final against St James, but stuck together and pulled through 15-10 in extra time, to set up a final rematch with Ibstock Place.
The final was magnificent. Although injury struck again, as one key player limped off the pitch, the bench responded brilliantly and the final result was 34-0 to LVS – another victory to zero.
Coach and Deputy Head Chris Seal was delighted with the result: “This is a huge achievement for the boys, a supreme display of teamplay and physicality reflecting the ruthlessness and desire in the LVS team.
“Well done boys – your school is proud of you.”
The full U14 squad were:
Front row of photo (l-r): George, 13, Connor, 14, Tapan, 13, Jake, 14.
Back row (l-r): Tom, 14, Callum, 14, Ben, 14, Kieran, 14, Guy, 14, Will, 14, Justin, 14, Alex, 13.
