Second-half revival helps Warwick School under-15s land Daily Mail Cup

It was Warwick’s eighth victory in a competition which began back in October with a 55-10 success over Kenilworth School.

Wakefield’s Queen Elizabeth Grammar School (QEGS)enjoyed early dominance as their larger pack stamped their authority on proceedings and their pressure yielded three points in the fifth minute.

Warwick’s Will Stride missed the chance to restore parity four minutes later, with the full-back pushing a penalty wide of the posts.

Genuine chances were few and far between as both teams toiled in the testing conditions, with QEGS adding a drop goal two minutes before the interval to take a 6-0 lead into the break.

Warwick emerged with intent after the restart and were the stronger side for long periods.

Five minutes into the second half, Warwick lock Robert Hazelton turned defence into attack with a 50-metre burst.

However, they they had to wait until the 47th minute to break down the Wakefield side’s resolute defence, capitalising on an excellent break from outside-centre James Taylor-Watts.

With QEGS in disarray, Stride weaved his way through for a try following a quick tap penalty.

Stride added the conversion to hand his side the slenderest of advantages.

Openside flanker Jordan Ainslie, who grabbed Warwick’s winner in their semi-final against Bromsgrove, then splashed over after a sublime break and dummy on the right to extend the lead to 12-6.

QEGS again pressured the Warwick line with five minutes to play but superb defence kept them out to secure a historic victory and spark joyous celebrations at the final whistle.