Haileybury’s inspired teamwork sees them breeze past Oundle in the SOCS Daily Mail Trophy as RGS Newcastle bounce back with second consecutive win after opening game thrashing by leaders Sedbergh
- Haileybury have now won three of their four games after beating Oundle 31-18
- Ex-Wales international Michael Owen is now director at the Hertfordshire school
- RGS Newcastle have won both games since a comprehensive loss to Sedbergh
- Sedbergh look unstoppable and secured their fourth win against Ipswich School
Haileybury and RGS Newcastle had victories to savour in the latest round of the SOCS Daily Mail Schools Trophy.
A 31-18 win over Oundle continued Haileybury’s good start and left former Wales international Michael Owen, now director of rugby at the Hertfordshire school, delighted at two crucial tries.
Haileybury’s inspired team work ended in two tries for wing Nick Davies. He finished off one sweeping move before backing up lock Marco Filipetto’s catch and dash from the kick off to race in for his second.
Haileybury beat Oundle 31-18 to extend their fine run to three wins and a loss from four games
Earlier in the match, Haileybury, who helped put England hooker Jamie George on the road to success, had earned tries through two other front row forwards in Ikhi Osebor and William Rayfield.
The win over Oundle continues Haileybury’s decent start to the Trophy following wins over Felsted and Stamford before a 23-19 defeat by Blundell’s.
RGS Newcastle were also rejoicing in their attacking ways which played a big part in a 43-12 win over former Trophy champions Woodhouse Grove from Bradford.
The Hertfordshire school previously beat Felsted and Stamford before a loss to Blundell’s
Head coach Andy Watt reckons the second-half effort by vice-captain Ally Cook is a contender for ‘try of the season.’
The centre finished off after RGS had grabbed possession near their own line before working it through many phases to bring a score at the other end.
Cook was joined on the scoresheet by four other players attached to Newcastle Falcons in Tom Cressey, Dan Stephenson, Rory Linklater and Chris Kelly.
Haileybury are responsible for the development of England international hooker Jamie George
RGS are improving after running into an in-form Sedbergh in their first match of the campaign. That ended in a 40-8 defeat before the Newcastle team followed up beating Grammar School of Leeds, 45-14.
Sedbergh show no signs of stopping and have already posted four wins, the latest a 33-19 win over Ipswich School.
The Cumbrians head the Trophy, which is decided on a merit table basis, ahead of a chasing pack including champions Berkhamsted, three from three, and Hampton, five from five so far.
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