A Maidenhead school’s director of rugby expressed pride at his team’s efforts despite losing out in the final of a prestigious national rugby competition.
Claires Court School’s Simon Carter watched on from the sidelines as his charges went down 32-19 to Wirral Grammar School in the Continental Tyres Schools U15 Vase final at Trailfinders Sports Club.
Claires Court School conceded two early tries during the first half but responded well through Frank Voster-Davidson’s score.
However, Wirral ran in two more tries during the opening period to leave Claires Court trailing 22-7 at the break.
Wirral extended their lead with another try and a penalty early in the second half, and despite eventually falling short, Claires Court had Voster-Davidson’s hat-trick to celebrate after the No. 8 bagged two more tries in the second 30-minute period.
Carter said: “The result is disappointing, but it shouldn’t take away from what has been a fantastic season. It’s been a huge achievement for a school with just 50 boys in the year group to get here. It’s been a huge occasion for them and the school, and I’m very proud of the journey they’ve been on.”
The competition pitted schools from all across the country against each other, aiming to increase participation.
As of March 2, the number of Age Grade players is up 6% year on year at 181,453, with a huge 14% increase in girl’s registrations.
On Voster-Davidson, who is on the books at Bath Rugby’s academy, Carter added: “He’s an exceptional player, he’s phenomenal. His work rate is incredible and he’s a triple threat. With and without the ball, his distribution and going forwards, he can do it all. Scoring a hat-trick in a final, he couldn’t have done much more. We’re all very proud of him.”
RFU executive director of rugby development Steve Grainger said: “The Continental Tyres Schools Cup finals are a massive highlight for us; three days of rugby action, first at the Trailfinders then the Allianz.
“It’s a culmination of a huge amount of time, effort and energy for both the players and for the teachers in schools right across the country.
“We’ve seen a really high quality, right from the opening rounds. It’s intense, there are a huge number of schools that enter the competition and the quality of the rugby is so high, you are inevitably watching some stars of the future in these tournaments.”
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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.
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Anthony Robertson, 36, of Patrick Haugh Road, Bicester.
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