Victory and defeat for Claires Court School in the National Vase

Claires Court School’s first XV were defeated 41-7 by St George’s Weybridge

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Claires Court School 1st XV have bowed out of the National Vase after a challenging 41-7 defeat to St George’s Weybridge in their regional semi-final this week.

The scoreline may not have gone their way, but the team showed commendable determination and courage under pressure against formidable opponents.

Director of Sport at Claires Court, Simon Carter, said the team ‘exemplified the true spirit of schoolboy rugby’ with their performance.

St George’s Weybridge are known for their physicality and attacking precision. They came out of the blocks with a relentless tempo that Claires Court did their best to try and live with.

Capitalising on early possession they demonstrated their ruthless edge, clinically finishing off several moves to build a commanding first half lead.

Claires Court could have waved the white flag and surrendered to a one-sided affair, but it was never that. They battled fiercely for every inch of ground and responded with their own attacking flair that rocked St George’s back on their heels.

Their standout performer was undoubtedly James Wojciechowicz – who, along with the rest of the Claires Court pack dominated in the scrum. Wojciechowicz’s work rate was remarkable, making crucial tackles and carrying the ball with purpose against a resolute St George’s defensive line. He typified Claires Court’s never-say-die attitude in the contest.

Whilst the result marked the end of the team’s journey in this season’s National Vase, they are still keen to finish the campaign on a positive note in the league and with a Berkshire Cup semi-final still to come.

In contrast, Claires Court u15s side secured a hard-fought and impressive 29-24 victory over St George’s Weybridge in their National Vase match. It was a game they largely dominated but the scoreline was closer than they’d have liked due to lapses in concentration.

Claires Court took control from the outset, with their forward pack laying a strong foundation for the backline to capitalise on and build an early lead. Returning from injury, James Eldridge was in sensational form, using his pace and power to make key contributions in attack and defence. Tom Hickson was equally impressive, using his pace to carve through the St George’s line and keep the scoreboard ticking.

Despite Claires Court’s dominance, moments of complacency allowed St George’s to claw their way back into the game. Two late tries from the visitors made the scoreline uncomfortably close, but the hosts held their nerve in the closing stages to seal the victory.

The result reflects the quality and potential of this Claires Court team – but also serves as a reminder to them for the rest of the competition of the need to focus for the full 60 minutes.

They now await the winner of Reigate Gramme and Howards of Effingham with a place in the last 16 up for grabs.