U15 Daily Mail Cup Winners 2013

Published by Warwick School on Monday 25th of March 2013

Warwick School's U15 Rugby team produced an inspired second half fight back to win the U15 Daily Mail Cup competition for the first time in the school's history. (Warwick School won the title at U18 in 2007). QEGS enjoyed early dominance as their larger pack stamped their authority on proceedings; with their pressure yielding three points in the fifth minute. Warwick fullback Will Stride missed the chance to restore parity for Warwick four minutes later as the fullback pushed a penalty wide of the posts. Genuine chances were few and far between as both teams toiled in the testing conditions, with QEGS Wakefield adding a drop goal two minutes before the interval giving them a 6-0 lead.
Warwick emerged with intent after the restart and was the stronger side for long periods. After five minutes of the second half, Warwick lock Robert Hazelton managed to turn defence into attack and go on a 50m burst to push them into a good attacking position. But they had to wait until the 47th minute to break down a resolute QEGS, after an excellent break from Warwick's outside centre James Taylor-Watts. Following this QEGS were caught by surprise when Stride weaved his way through for a try from a tapped penalty having turned down the simplest of three points.
Stride added the conversion to hand his side the slenderest of advantages at 7-6, before openside flanker Jordan Ainslie, who grabbed Warwick's winner in their semi-final against Bromsgrove, splashed over after a sublime break and dummy on the right to give Warwick a 12-6 advantage. QEGS again pressured the Warwick line with five minutes to play but the superb Warwick defence again held out to secure a historic victory and spark joyous celebrations from all the Warwick School players, coaches and supporters.
Despite the sleet and the snow a huge crowd travelled down to Twickenham. It was a magnificent day for all of the blue and white Warwick supporters and one that will live long in the memories with everyone associated with the school.

Results in the competition which saw Warwick School U15 Daily Mail Cup Champions:

v Kenilworth School won 55-10
v Arden School won 50-0
v St. Peter's RC High won 19-15
v King's Worcester won 20-3
v Bedford School won 20-14
v Wellington won 18-17
v Bromsgrove won 17-16
v QEGS Wakefield won 12-6