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GSAL make the final of Daily Mail U15 Schools Rugby Cup

Wednesday 21 March 2012

Pupils and staff at The Grammar School at Leeds (GSAL) are celebrating the stunning success of the U15 rugby union squad’s victory over Trinity College, Croydon in the semi-final of the Daily Mail RBS cup.

Both teams were unbeaten during the regular season and travelled to Broadstreet Rugby Club, Coventry with high hopes.

Trinity, a physically bigger side, put Leeds on the defensive from the start. As the first half progressed Leeds managed to get a foothold in the game and there was parity between the sides at half time with the score 0-0.

Leeds took control in the second half, with their forwards making good yards led by Simon Phillips and a perfect tactical kicking game from Jonny Haslem at fly half. Soon after the break, a chip over the top saw Will Newett winning the race for the loose ball to open the scoring. Sam Ward converted the try.

Leeds had now established the ascendancy and the squad was clinical, with Sam Ward kicking two penalties and Tom Gorman scoring a try in the corner to stretch the score to 18-0. Trinity however, were not going out without a fight and came back into the game to challenge Leeds. Resolute defence from the Leeds team meant Trinity were unable to cross the Leeds line until the last few minutes, putting GSAL through to their first ever Daily Mail Cup final with an 18-7 victory.

Teacher and GSAL coach Owen Edwards said, “All 22 deserved to be ‘man of the match’; everyone played their part and trusted each other resulting in the performance of the season.”

Full back Tom Gorman commented, “This was the toughest game that we have played to date. Everyone defended well and took their chances when they could.”

GSAL will face the current holders RGS High Wycombe at Twickenham on 4th April.

Sam Ward is pictured practising kicking with team mates Harrison Brown-Raw and Jonny Haslem.

 

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