About Millfield Sport News
Millfield makes history at National Schools Sevens
On Friday 26th March, Millfield School completed an unprecedented treble at the National Schools Sevens Tournament, the largest and most famous schools rugby competition in the world. The school entered sides into the Prep Schools competition, the Colts (Under 16) and Open Tournaments.
The Prep School played their first games on Monday 22nd March winning their pool with impressive wins over Highfield, The Mall and Ardingly to proceed to the quarter finals. Wins over Sandroyd and Downsend, 31-7 and 28-0 respectively, put the side into the final. One of the great strengths of the Millfield side over the two-day competition was the depth of the squad (despite losing one player to illness and another who broke his arm in the second game) and their ability to rotate and rest players. This meant that the Somerset side was fitter, fresher and better able to handle the pressure. A superb squad effort, backed up with excellent leadership from Andy Tait and sublime finishing from Darren Atkins. Congratulations must go to the whole squad: George Downing, Alexander Allen, Rio Kurihara, Charlie Strutt, Andy Tait, George Hankins, Darren Atkins, Harry Close, Joshua Ramsden, Joshua Standbrooke-Tompkins, Camilo Rey and Guy Melly.
Following the success of the Prep squad, the Under 16 side began the defence of their crown having won the tournament in 2009. Millfield dominated the early round scoring 185 points and conceding only 4 tries. There were good wins over Epsom and Wimbledon which moved them into the quarter final the next day. A 14-10 battle against a highly skilled Judd side meant they proceeded into the semi final where they beat Tonbridge 26-0. In the final against St Joseph, Millfield had to work exceptionally hard against a class side but once again their fitness and defensive organisation ensured that they won a thrilling final 17-10, leaving the senior players with the pressure of making schools rugby history.
The group stage proved no problem for a strong Millfield side in the Open Tournament; turning over all four teams whilst only conceding one try. In all matches, Millfield showed some outstanding clinical finishing that has seen them devastate so many teams this season. Millfield led from the beginning in the final and really outstripped the competition. The squad produced their best performance of the season with outstanding performances from Miles Mantella, JJ Kilmartin, Henry Thomas and Ben Mosses.
Graeme Maw, Director of Sport at Millfield said: "To win such a prestigious tournament at three levels is obviously a fantastic achievement and speaks volumes for our boys and coaches. It requires skill, character, teamwork and passion, and demonstrates the continuity we are trying to develop across our Schools. Equally important is the way the boys have played and conducted themselves, being commended by opposition and officials."
