"The boys are buzzing" – Claires Court u15s march into Schools Vase final

Claires Court School director of rugby Simon Carter felt his team’s first try settled nerves after they booked their place in the Continental Tyres Schools U15 Vase final with a 29-10 win over Haberdashers’ Monmouth School.

The first half of Claires Court’s semi-final against their South Wales opponents at Aylesbury RFC was a tight affair, with Frank Voster-Davison’s converted try with half-time approaching the only score.

However, the Maidenhead outfit cut loose after the break as further tries from Louis Cardwell, Trent Robertson, captain Ewan Garrett, and Jacob Trinder ensured a comfortable victory.

Carter said: “They had to really earn it. There was a period early in the first half when we had a lot of territory and a lot of pressure, but we didn’t come away with any points.

“Then they had their go and I thought if they got a score there, it would have been really demoralising for the boys, but with some great defence we managed to hold out.

“That score just at the end of the first half settled the nerves a bit and then, generally, we know we’re quite strong in the second half.

“We’ve got some big ball-carriers that wear teams down and with some extra territory, some extra possession, that’s how it played out.”

The competition pits schools from across the country against each other, aiming to increase participation and as of March 2, the number of age grade players is up six per cent year on year at 181,453, with a huge 14 per cent increase in girls’ registrations.

There are now 60 School Rugby Managers (SRM) in place around the country, 1800 schools and colleges received T1 Rugby flatpacks last year, with 1050 more due to receive one this season, while 900 School Games Organiser ran rugby events last season, with 56,000 young people taking part

Steve Grainger, RFU executive director of rugby development, said: “Schools rugby plays a hugely important role in the game in England.

“For many young people, it’s the first time they pick up a rugby ball, and often the place where they fall in love with the sport and everything it stands for.

“Competitions like the Continental Tyres Schools Cup give students the chance to create lifelong memories with their teammates and experience the excitement of knockout rugby, which is why it remains such an important part of the pathway into the sport.”

Claires Court School will now play Wirral Grammar School for Boys in the final, which will be played at the Trailfinders Sports Ground in Ealing on Wednesday March 18.

Garnett, 14, said: “All the boys are just buzzing. All credit to Monmouth, they played so well, it was an exceptional performance from them, but our boys’ mentality is class.

“It’s just an amazing feeling, but we want to go further.

“It’s a first time for Claires Court to reach the final. We’re just so excited and just to get there, regardless of the score, it’s just an amazing feeling.”

“The semi‑finals have been absolutely fantastic, showcasing the passion, teamwork and resilience that make the Continental Tyres Schools Cup so special,” said Leah Jervis, Senior Brand & Partnerships Specialist, Continental Tyres

“At Continental Tyres, we’re committed to supporting performance and progress at every level - and it’s wonderful to see those values reflected so clearly in these young players. We’re incredibly proud to champion a competition that nurtures emerging talent and celebrates school sport at its best.”

W The Continental Tyres Schools Cup is a vital part of the age-grade rugby landscape, with schools’ rugby often where players fall in love with the game for the first time. Catch all the latest highlights and updates from the competition by following @CommunityRugby.