BREDON Hill Academy claimed an impressive triumph in the Worcestershire State Schools Rugby Cup as they defeated Hanley Castle in an exciting final on Monday.
Bredon Hill had high hopes of county success having seen off all before them in September’s 20-team group stage in which they won every game – defeating Bishop Perowne, Walkwood, Dyson Perrins and The Chase – scoring more than 250 points and conceding just five.
The Ashton under Hill school were then 50-0 victors against Worcester outfit Nunnery Wood in the semi-final to set up a final at Evesham Rugby Club against Hanley Castle, who had also won every group match.
The conditions did not allow for a free-flowing game but the match was fiercely contested as both teams played to a high standard.
Bredon were the better team in the first half and deservedly led 15-0 at the break and soon extended their advantage to 20-0 early in the second half.
However, Hanley Castle did not give up and managed to put pressure on the Bredon Hill defence and as a result scored three tries to reduce their arrears to 20-15.
The last five minutes were incredibly tense but Bredon held their nerve to see the game out.
On the same day there were plate and bowl competitions won by St John’s Middle School Academy of Bromsgrove and Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College of Worcester respectively.
THERE was sporting glory elsewhere for Bredon Hill Academy whose netball teams won both the year seven and eight district competitions held on home territory.
Four schools – Bredon Hill, Pershore High, Blackminster and St Egwin’s – contested the annual South West Worcestershire district event and Bredon Hill clinched first place as they won all of their matches.
Pershore were runners-up, St Egwin’s finished third, Bredon Hill’s B team were fourth and Blackminster fifth.
Seven teams were in action in the year seven event and again there was no stopping Bredon Hill A who won all of their games in a competition played in great spirits despite the cold weather.
St Nicholas were runners-up, St Barnabas A third, St Egwin’s fourth, Bredon Hill B fifth, Abbey Park sixth and St Barnabas B seventh.