U18''s win the Marches Sevens

Schoolboy rugby players are in seventh heaven after winning a prestigious national competition. Barnard Castle School cleaned up in the Marches Sevens, an annual contest run since 1976 at Hereford Cathedral School.
The U18s side was the first from Barnard Castle to ever win the fiercely competitive seven a side rugby gala. A squad of ten scored an average of 40 points in the six match group and knockout event that attracted 24 teams from around the country.
Team captain, Tom Bramwell, of Newcastle, said: “Sevens is a much more tactical game and less forgiving if you do make an error. You need a different strategy and style to 15s and it’s as much about brains as it is brawn.”
Director of rugby at Barnard Castle School Martin Pepper was delighted with the team’s performance and that they had beaten schools that were rugby academies.
He said: “It is a very high standard of rugby and great for the boys as it takes them out of their bubble and pits them against teams they are not used to playing; teams with pedigree and good reputations.
“The whole squad performed well and worked well as a team. They have a good work ethic and team discipline which takes them a long way. At one point they were three tries down at half time but ended up winning the match which is a great credit to their belief and application.”