Our 1st VII made a strong start to their sevens campaign at Seaford College on Sunday 26 January.
Circumstances meant that they travelled with 10 players, but were quickly down to eight when Jack Hudson and Alfie Willcocks were injured. Finishing third in the group stages placed them in the Bowl competition where they faced Portsmouth Grammar School (PGS) in the semi-final. Although PGS made a spirited second-half comeback, our boys looked the more composed and sealed victory with style in the dying seconds of the game.
They then faced Hurstpierpoint College in the final; a team that knocked Bedford out of the previous two tournaments. Both teams had ample opportunities to score but were stifled by committed defences that led to stalemate at half-time. However, it was Bedford who gained the upper hand in the second-half and scored a try after some neat ball movement, incisive running and dogged support.
The Bedford boys put in a truly magnificent defensive display, and it was fitting that their defensive pressure led to a loose kick from the opposition scrum half, which Lewis Butterly cleverly kicked into the in-goal area for him to pounce on and seal the victory. Roll on Shiplake next Sunday.