Cranleigh Retain Rosslyn Park Sevens Title

On Friday 24th March 2017 the 1st VII successfully defended their Rosslyn Park Sevens title with a 28-7 defeat of Brighton after two days of hard fought rugby in the prestigious international schools competition.

Winning the tournament two years in a row is a remarkable achievement for a school the size of Cranleigh and both boys and coaches are to be congratulated against mainly larger schools and some fearsome opposition.

Pupils at school showed their support, watching the tournament live on screens around the campus. The squad was also playing for the memory of Jake Andrews, whose funeral was held in the Chapel on the second afternoon of the tournament.

Cranleigh is only the fourth school to retain the trophy since the competition began in 1939.

Director of Rugby Andy Houston, said: “Last year winning the cup was an amazing achievement and it was probably seen by most as improbable. I think in truth everyone outside of the squad thought us defending the title would be impossible. The squad though trained so hard and gave so much in order to make sure we didn’t give up the title without a fight.

“What this group of young men achieved was quite remarkable. They did it the hard way, beating the very best in the country and they did it with a smile on their faces throughout. What really makes me smile is that eleven out of the twelve players all started in the U14s with us and even twelve months ago, some were playing in the 3rd and 4th XV teams here at School.

“In the last year we have won the National sevens cup twice and the St Joseph’s trophy once! Most schools dream about winning one of these just once, so to win three times in a row is something so special. I can’t thank everyone enough for all those messages of support and those who have helped so much along the way. It has been a tough time with the passing of Jake and we just hope in a small way, we helped his family and friends to have a smile on their face even if just for a small period of time.”