Claires Court u15s deliver statement victory ahead of regional final

Claires Court u15s 61, Reigate Grammar 7

Claires Court School’s u15s delivered a scintillating performance to overwhelm Reigate Grammar 61-7 at Braywick Park this week to progress to the regional final of the National Vase.

The semi-final showcased the side’s physicality and relentless determination to defeat their opponents and send out a statement ahead of the final.

They imposed themselves on their opposition from the first whistle, starving them of possession in the early stages before building a commanding lead.

Receiving the ball from kick-off, they went through eight controlled phases of play, setting the tone for the afternoon, and the pressure paid off with Tom Hickson bursting through to score the first points of the match.

Reigate responded admirably, forcing an extended period of pressure deep in Claires Court’s half, however, the home side stood firm, absorbing wave after wave of attack before turning defence into attack. A series of ferocious carries moved them up the field and created the platform for a slick backline move that resulted in their second try.

Reigate hauled themselves into the contest as they drove over from a five-meter scrum. The score could have reignited the contest, but instead Claires Court displayed their mettle, hitting back immediately through Will Spinks’ explosive break in a move that was finished off by Eldridge.

Claires Court sensed an opportunity and were able to capitalise on their momentum. Retaining possession from the kick-off, they produced a lightning-fast attack down the flank which resulted in a fourth try out wide.

Reigate were beginning to falter and Claires Court took full advantage. Trent Robertson fielded a loose kick and surged into the heart of the opposition’s defence. His dynamic run and an excellent offload from Seb Storey set up Eldridge for his second try of the afternoon.

By now the physical pressure Claires Court were exerting was taking its toll on Reigate. The tries flowed freely as the margin of victory was extended beyond the 50-point mark with 10 minutes still to play. Under competition rules, the game was brought to a halt, confirming an emphatic victory for the home side.

By now, the physical pressure from Claires Court was taking its toll on Reigate. The tries flowed freely, with Claires Court extending their lead to 50-point margin with 10 minutes still to play. Under competition rules, the game was brought to a halt, confirming an emphatic victory for the home side.

Simon Carter, the school’s deputy head and director of sport, said: “This commanding performance sees Claires Court through to January’s Regional Final, where they will look to continue their impressive run.”

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Taunton School 5, Claires Court u14s 50

Claires Court’s u14s team delivered a similarly outstanding team display as they defeated Taunton School 50-5 in the third round of the National Cup.

The comfortable victory books their place in the next round and a clash against Sherborne College.

Despite the emphatic scoreline, Claires Court needed to show patience and maturity to break down Taunton’s initially well-drilled defence.

They dominated the opening exchanges both in possession and territory, with Garrett punishing Taunton’s infringements to slot home three penalties from the tee inside the opening 20 minutes. His contributions, combined with a well-taken try, handed Claires Court a 19-7 lead at the break. A handy, but not insurmountable advantage.

Taunton fought well in the second half, but Claires Court’s pressure eventually told. The visitors’ pack was dominant and recycled the ball efficiently, giving the side plenty of ball from which to do damage. Taunton started to crack and the final third of the game saw Claires Court shift into another gear.

Their forwards laid the platform with powerful carries and quick ball at the breakdown, while the backline exploited the tiring Taunton backline with clinical finishing. Tries came in quick succession, Claires Court added six more tries to their tally to build a commanding lead.

Simon Carter added: “The 50-5 scoreline was a testament to the team’s discipline, skill, and determination.

“This was more than just a win; it was a statement of intent from a side growing in confidence and maturity.

“As they now prepare for a challenging away trip to Sherborne College.”