Over half term a number of boys represented both Harlequins, Surrey and Middlesex. Tom Nicole, Hugh Tizard and Harry Barlow all started for Harlequins EPDG in the academy final versus Sale. Harlequins won the match with Jack Johnson unavailable for selection due to injury.
It’s the first time Harlequins have won the tournament and with three Cranleigh pupils in the starting XV, the School had the highest representation which is real credit to the players. Ollie Barrow, David Ofori, Oscar Beard and Will Trenholm represented Harlequins U15 in their trial match.
Sadly due to this they were unable to represent Surrey U15’s on the same day but Toby Tyson played in that fixture. James Hennessy represented Middlesex U15’s leading to another boy involved in the county set ups.
On Wednesday 22nd February, the U18 sevens season started with the first of three tournaments in the build up to trying to retain the national title that the School won last year. The team played at the Hampton Invitational and won their group which included Brighton, St Benedict’s, UCS and Hampton 2nd. The team won and topped the group to qualify for the final. The side, with eight out of the twelve boys making their debut, lead with two minutes to go, but sadly conceded late on to lose in a extremely tight affair.
Back to all newsTo come so close to winning was great credit to the group. The boys are all playing either football or hockey this term and so all the training has been either early morning or whenever we can get the group together. They showed great heart throughout and some really encouraging moments. Obviously winning the nationals last year was amazing and the boys are determined to give everything to try and retain that title. We will learn from it and no doubt come back stronger in a few weeks’ time.