Three sides competed at the recent Rosslyn Park Rugby Sevens event before Easter, including the newly-formed and highly successful Bloxham girls squad
History was made when a Bloxham girls squad attended the prestigious Rosslyn Park Rugby Sevens for the first time before Easter. The girls did themselves proud during the competition in a very tough group, especially given that they were drawn alongside defending champions Clyst Vale and eventual champions Amman Valley. Against the latter, a physical side from West Wales that the squad had previously come across at the Berkhamsted Sevens, the girls put in a much improved display to show how much they have learnt this season. Against King Henry VIII, Coventry, they ran out comfortable 27-0 winners. Coach Amber Reed, who was returning to Rosslyn Park five years after having won the competition herself as a player with Colston’s, was very proud of her players, who had shown such an excellent attitude to training throughout the season.
Two other Bloxham sides also competed earlier in the week in the world’s biggest rugby tournament. A much depleted Colts (U16) squad arrived with few expectations, however, Jake Manning’s side played some good Sevens in patches to suffer three defeats at the group stage and but then turning on the style to win 17-5 against Colfe’s School. The 1st‘VII experienced a day of utter inconsistency, losing to the bottom team in their group, Plymouth College, but recording an excellent 22-14 victory over Abingdon. A tense last minute win against Durham School to finish with a final score of 28-26 meant that the boys still had a chance of going through as group winners. Sadly, a heavy defeat at the hands of Felsted put paid to any lingering hopes they had.
All three squads were grateful for the support they received from the many Bloxham parents on the touchline and particular thanks are due to Dr Stephen Haynes for all his work on the medical side and Andy Goldsmith, who selflessly gave up three days of teaching to drive the sides down to West London.