Stonyhurst College County Rugby Champions for the 4th year running

Stonyhurst College’s 1st XV rugby squad continued their impressive run of victories in the U18 Lancashire Schools’ Cup, winning their fourth consecutive final out of the last five years.

Stonyhurst College’s 1st XV rugby squad continued their impressive run of victories in the U18 Lancashire Schools’ Cup, winning their fourth consecutive final out of the last five years.

In what has become the fiercest rivalry in Lancashire schoolboy rugby, Stonyhurst’s opponents in the final were for the third time running Lancaster RGS.  The Preston Grasshoppers’ new 4G all-weather pitch, funded by the RFU, was a superb venue for what would be a tense, close and thrilling match.

The match ebbed and flowed from one end to the other, with both teams enjoying good spells of territory and possession. Both teams also defended well, but it was the side that was the most clinical that would prove to be the winner, and this is where Stonyhurst prevailed. Three well worked team tries scored, the last just minutes from the end, proved to be decisive as Stonyhurst held their composure to secure a nail-biting 17-13 victory.

Simon Charlies Director of Sport and 1st XV coach said of the game:

“This was an exceptional performance as the team was severely tested in all areas of the game by a very strong Lancaster RGS side. The outstanding Stonyhurst defence, plus our ability to score tries in the backs and the forwards, clearly demonstrated the determination and resilience of this team and laid the foundation for a match winning opportunity late in the game. This group of players have been through so much together this year; I am delighted they have finished off their season on such a high point.”

Once again Stonyhurst players have established themselves as worthy champions in another extraordinary Lancashire Cup Final against the toughest opposition, cementing the rugby tradition that remains at the very heart of the school.