2015 National Rugby 7s Champions
Reigate Grammar School have won the Rosslyn Park HSBC National Schools Sevens Colts competition after securing a 24-19 win against Eton College in the final. A gripping match saw Reigate’s Flyer Max Coyle score the winner in golden points extra time. This is the first time the Reigate Road based school has secure the national crown at this age group. The final win in arguably the hardest Colts competition followed a trailblazing string of success from a phenomenal Reigate side.
The tournament began on Tuesday 24th with Reigate winning their four pool games comfortably, and then beating Welsh side Cowbridge Comprehensive School 42-17 to qualify for the final day. Wednesday began with win over Wallington County Grammar School 40-5, which put them through to the quarter final versus Wellington College winning 31-7. This result put Reigate through to the semi-final, where they continued their good form and came through as 28-12 victors over Stowe School.
An early lead in the final saw Reigate 12-0 up but Eton College hit back to level things up shortly after half time. Reigate edged ahead once more through the efforts of Lucas Overtoom, but a try with the last play of the game from Eton made it 19 all at full time and sent the game to golden points extra time. The Surrey School were the first to strike, a kick ahead from Max Coyle was fumbled by the Eton defender before Coyle pounced for the win.
Commented Alan Reid, coach to the Reigate side:
We are walking on air today after a spectacular day yesterday. These lads have been a very strong team through their time in the school, and to have now secured the spot as national champions is a tremendous achievement. The boys deserve their success, as do the support team behind them including Paul Turner and all the Reigate Grammar sports team and teachers who have given their all.
Doug Cooper, Head of Rugby said:
It is fantastic to have had the whole schools behind the team right the way through and it’s fitting that we are now celebrating together.
The whole school stopped at 11am on Thursday morning for a special homecoming assembly to welcome back the team and celebrate their success. Mr Shaun Fenton, Headmaster, said:
With talent, hard-work, team-work and a winning spirit anything is possible and these lads are proof of that. Our students have worked hard and worked together and deserve each and every moment of glory now. We celebrate each other’s successes here and today is just one example of the whole school coming together to share all that is good and well deserved.
