Warwick School ease into final of the National Cup

Harry Spencer, Ethan Evan Cook and Giles King combine to stop the progress of a Queen Elizabeth Grammar School attacker. Picture submitted

Warwick had already beaten Lawrence Sheriff, Spratton Hall, Welland Park, St Joseph’s College Ipswich and RGS Worcester to get to the last four from an original entry of 120.

In cold, damp conditions Warwick dominated early possession but made little headway against the excellent QEGS defence.

However, as Warwick began to relax they were able to put a number of phases together to create gaps and tries were scored by Kunwoo Ha, Finlay Smith and Tom Boorman, the latter after a brilliant show-and-go.

Turnover possession then created a try for Ethan Evan Cook and a second for Ha.

QEGS had more possession in the second half and scored a well-deserved try after a series of drives.

However, Warwick reasserted control, with Smith going over again and Evan Cook completing his hat-trick.

Warwick now go on to meet Trinity School, Croydon, in the final on March 18 at Bloxham School.

Warwick’s under-15s are only one step away from the final of the NatWest Cup after a hard-fought 14-10 win at Berkshire-based Wellington College.

Playing down the slope in the first half, Warwick opened up a 14-point lead courtesy of two tries from full-back Colia Louis, both converted by Will Tanner.

In the second half, Wellington threw everything at the blue and whites and scored a converted try and a penalty to set up a nervous ending.

However, with number eight Oliver Thorneywork and centre Tom Fawcett working tirelessly and winger Jacob Weeks producing an outstanding performance, they held on to secure a last-four spot against the winner of Brighton College and Ivybridge College.

This is the third consecutive year that Warwick’s under-15 team have reached the semi-finals and coach Tom Pierce was full of praise for his young side.

“It was a close match and playing up the slope in the second half was indeed a challenge,” said Pierce.

“It was the team’s willingness to hold on, which allowed Warwick to progress to the national semi-finals.”

Warwick’s last four-clash witll take place on March 8 Allianz Park, the home of Saracens.