Seniors and Sixth Form
NSB 7s
Throughout last week, 22 schools from around the region took part in NSB’s annual 7s tournaments at Northern. The events are supported by the Northumberland RFU and the Newcastle Falcons and featured tournaments in the under 11, 13, 15 and 18 age groups.
On Tuesday, the under 15s (pictured) started the week with a bang. Despite losing 26-7 in the group stages to a very athletic Bede Academy side, NSB reached the final with wins over Kings Priory, Teesside High, Red House and Austin Friars. NSB gained revenge with a 17-5 final win, the final try being scored by Charlie J from an excellent kick by captain Patrick C. In the plate final QEHS Hexham overcame Kings Priory 28-7.
On Wednesday, it was the turn of the senior boys where Durham seconds, Dame Allan’s and QEHS Hexham proved dominant. Hexham won all four of their group games in group one whilst Dame Allan’s finished second. NSB finished third with two wins from four against Emmanuel College and Bede Academy. Cameron B, Tom C and Will Mc proved NSB’s outstanding players. In group two Durham were the dominant side with RGS seconds finishing runners up. Durham and QEHS Hexham navigated their way to the final and despite some early pressure from Hexham Durham showed their class to storm to a 31-7 win. Kings Priory overcame Duchess High School, Alnwick in the plate final.
NSB entered two teams into the under 13 tournament on Thursday. The ‘Lions’ and ‘Barbarians’ met each other in the semi-final, where the Lions proved too strong, despite an outstanding performance from Baabaa’s captain, James H. This meant the Lions met Ovingham Middle School in the final after they had vanquished Ponteland in the semi-final. The game was tight and only the excellent NSB defence kept Ovingham at bay. However, after the break, tries from Will V and Lewis R stretched the lead and NSB won 19-7. It was fantastic to see NSB Old Boy and current Newcastle Falcon, Ruaridh Dawson on hand to present the trophies. Three Rivers School Morpeth won the plate after beating Longridge Towers 29-7.
The final event of the week took place on Friday. Choristers and Mowden Hall proved the strongest teams and they met in the final, Choristers taking the cup 21-7. In the plate NSB under 10s played superbly to beat Austin Friars in extra time.
All of the events were again played in outstanding spirit, many thanks to all players, supporters, staff and officials who helped to make it such an enjoyable week.