First Trophy For Sevens Squad
The Royal Alexandra and Albert School senior rugby sevens squad were victorious at the first Ewell Castle Sevens Tournament, hosted by Ewell Castle School and held at the Sutton & Epsom Rugby Club. Rugby sevens is a variant of standard rugby in which teams are made up of seven players, instead of the usual fifteen. The matches are shorter but require players to have a higher level of stamina and agility, as there are less pauses and less players to cover the same length of pitch. It is a world recognised sport, which will make its Olympic debut in 2016.
The Ewell Castle Sevens Tournament was the first tournament entered by the Royal Alexandra and Albert School senior squad this year. There were six strong school teams in attendance and competition was tough.
The squad played three matches to bring home the trophy. The first match was against Glyn School, which the senior squad won with an impressive 42-14. Their second match was against Greycourt School. It was a tough game, but the boys fought back to win 17-7. The final was against a very strong Ewell Castle side. With some well organised defensive work and quick running from the backs, the Royal Alexandra and Albert squad were victorious, winning 20-0.
The team have worked hard all term to develop their sevens game, impressing other school coaches and spectators at the tournament with their pace and athleticism.
Team Coach, Edward Carne, said, “Sevens requires a different level of fitness to the fifteen a side game, but the boys have adapted superbly in what was for many their first ever senior tournament. Our pupils showed outstanding pace, strength and agility throughout the afternoon of the tournament.”
The win at Ewell Castle puts the Royal Alexandra and Albert squad well placed for the HSBC Rossyln Park Schools Sevens Tournament on the 25th and 26th of March. The HSBC Rossyln Park Sevens is one of the most renowned sevens tournaments, with many prestigious rugby schools from around the United Kingdom and overseas taking part.
Mr Carne explains, “Rosslyn Park Sevens is one of the biggest school sevens tournaments in the world, with the biggest names in British school rugby in attendance. Our entry into the tournament is confirmed but the hard work isn’t finished yet.”
17 March 2015
