A major rugby sevens tournament at a Colwyn Bay school has been hailed as a tremendous success. Eighteen U16 teams from across North Wales and the North West descended on Rydal Penrhos for the event, which took place on Saturday, February 27.
The tournament was split up into pool stages, before all teams competed for either the Bowl, Shield, Plate or Trophy honours. After a highly competitive day of action, Ellesmere College came away victorious after a thrilling 17-12 win over Pwllheli Rugby Club in the final.
Ellesmere College coasted through the group stages with convincing wins against Manchester Grammar School 26 -0, Rhyl 54 – 0, St Edward’s 55 – 0 and Nant Conwy 26 – 19. In the semi- finals the group winners took on Wirral Grammar School in a battling performance to secure another victory 21-5.
Ellesmere College captain Morgan Johnson commented: “We targeted these tournaments at the start of the sevens season and we knew with how well we’ve progressed as a sevens team that we could progress to at least the final. It’s a great stepping stone for the boys.”
Triumphing in the trophy category was Stonyhurst College, who defeated Eirias High School 27-5 in the final and Rydal Penrhos by the narrowest of margins in the semis.
Chester Centurions beat their club rival Barbarians 39-5 to take the Shield, while Birkenhead School took home the Bowl crown with a 54-5 victory over Rhyl Rugby Club.
The final award went to Nant Conwy, who took home the plate after a series of fine performances throughout the tournament.
Jon Morgan, Head Coach said “The team found their form and played some excellent sevens style rugby – they managed to calmly keep hold of the ball for long periods and score some tremendous tries. This is a great achievement for the team and I am sure they can only get better”.