On Sunday 31st August the 1st XV Rugby team competed in the prestigious Tynedale Schools Rugby Festival, recently described in the press as the largest school Rugby festival in England. Entered into the Plate competition, the 9 teams were split into 3 groups of 3 playing matches of 2 x 10 minute halves. In the first pool game NSB faced Giggleswick School from Yorkshire. New 1st XV captain Dan Gray led his team to a 19-0 victory, with tries coming from Matthew Charlton, Alex Charlton and Jack Appleton, who also added 2 conversions. The second game against Austin Friars School of Carlisle was a tense affair which went down to the wire, NSB eventually edging a 17-12 win with tries from Tom Pattinson (2) and Dan Hails with Joe Cowan adding a conversion.
This meant NSB finished first in the group and progressed to the finals group with Mill Hill School of London. NSB played superbly in this match to secure a 26-5 win with tries coming from Cameron Horrocks (2), Matthew Andrew and Thomas Crosse. This set up a final with St. Paul’s School, again of London. The final proved a tight affair and despite several chances NSB went down 8-0. However, the day was notable for some of the excellent performances of the year 11 boys who are starting their 1st XV career and for James Strong (Y12) who excelled whilst making his debut at prop. The day was also ideal for preparing the boys for the physical and mental challenges for what proves to be a very exciting Rugby season which will culminate in next Summer’s tour of South Africa.