King Edward VII Academy Rugby Team Take Home the Gold in County Championships

On Monday 27th March, King Edward VII Academy rugby team won the county  championships in a tense final game against Wymondham College. 

In the first half, both sides made errors in their game-play, resulting in KES being behind 10-0. A strong half time team talk saw KES dominate in the second half with a 17-10 lead with four minutes left of the game. Suddenly Wymondham College scored a try out but missed conversion, so KES continued to lead 17-15 with two minutes of the game remaining. When KES conceded a penalty, Wymondham College almost scored before a try saving tackle saved it. However, Wymondham College then scored and converted, overtaking KES with a score of 17-22 with one minute of the game left. 

KES player, Jack Mitchell kicked off and KES player, James Leman was able to recycle the ball to fellow teammate, Matthew Warren who ran in from 35 meters for a try resulting in a draw 22-22, and a conversion kick for KES. In an incredibly tense, and difficult kick, KES player Jack Mitchell stepped up and slotted it over for a 24-22 win with the referee blowing the final whistle. 

Principal of King Edward VII Academy, Sarah Hartshorn said:

“I am so proud of our Year 11 Rugby team; what an amazing achievement that will drive them forward to future successes at King Edward VII Academy. Welcoming them back on site the next day, proudly wearing their medals, truly lifted the hearts of all our Year 11s as we celebrated their victory together. Such a memory making moment that will stay with them forever!”

Team Manager and Head of Year 7 at KES, Danny Gay said:

“Wow!! I’ve been doing this for 15 years and I’ve never seen a final like this. It was an incredibly tense game and I’m a very proud teacher. Congratulations boys! It’s a great way for these students to end their 5 year journey as a year group. These sort of days are memorable for the rest of these students life’s.”