Harrow won their first ever National Schools Cup title with a dramatic 29-27 victory over Kirkham at Twickenham.
The schools rugby season reached its peak with National Schools finals week preceding the Rosslyn Park Sevens.
The build-up to the final was unprecedented in the 35 years of Twickenham Schools Finals days. Two absolute heavyweights in Harrow and Kirkham were clashing in a South versus North, expansive versus tight, both unbeaten, first versus second ranked battle, in which Harrow emerged victors in a game neither side deserved to lose.
Harrow, on the balance of routes to the final, were deserved winners. They fended off eventual Plate winners Newman in the first round way back in September, before victories against Guildford and Hurstpierpoint allowed them to end Ipswich's unbeaten run in the quarters, and then win their semi-final against Blundell's.
The game itself was as evenly matched and heavily contrasted as expected. Kirkham's maul went to work, producing tries for Jack Austin and Alex Smith, but both scores were pegged back by longer-range efforts from Zachary Uduehi – who scored a hat-trick in the semi-final – and St John Smith.
As the frantic pace of the half continued, Harrow's first lead through a Charlie Griffin hard line was negated by another maul-based try from Kirkham captain Seb Kelly, whose side headed into half time 22-19 up.
The trend continued when Harrow's Cameron Knight scored out wide, only for Kirkham's Sam
Lewtas to score after yet another dominant maul.
With the 500-strong Kirkham crowd in strong voice, the game seemed sealed before a Harrow turnover with 30 seconds remaining. Griffin took his side metres short before Reggie Hammick sparked pandemonium when he burrowed under to score the winner.
It was the fitting last play of a gripping match that showcased an abundance of quality and passion in front of a rapturous crowd.
Harrow head coach James Melville said: “Incredible physicality, speed, and skill, an amazing day for school rugby. We had over 1,000 there, all 880 that are in the school, a lot of the players have got exams tomorrow!”
It was also a fitting climax to what was a momentous day of school rugby. The day kicked off with some history with the Women's ACE League Final between the indomitable Hartpury and Exeter College. It was the third year in a row these teams have played this final, but the first time ever Schools Finals Day has featured full female representation.
As expected, Hartpury coasted to victory with a 41-5 victory with a counterattacking masterclass.
Wing Abigail Pritchard scored a hat-trick, with two of her tries set up by co-captain, wing, and star player Daisy Aspinall, who also got one for herself. Other tries were scored by Hanna Marshall, Alaw Pyrs, and Gabby Radziejowski, whilst Exeter's sole effort came courtesy of Tilly Pulfer.
Their history was amalgamated by the Girls School Showcase, in which over 400 U12 girls from 30 schools based all over the country competed in their Love Rugby Festival.
The two moments of history sandwiched a dominant Vase win for Felsted School, who beat Ivybridge 42-19 thanks to a ruthless first half. Close range tries from Peter Scofield, Dylan Reynolds and Jesse Cotterill aggravated missed Ivybridge chances, before Felsted closed the half with a stunning Cotterill try following a Harry Courts intercept from inside his own 22 to make it 26-0.
The second half became more attritional as Courts kicked three penalties from impressive ranges. They proved crucial given Ivybridge scored three tries through Diego Lorro (2) and James Pullen, whose efforts could have put their side within a score of Felsted. Ultimately, the gulf was too large, and as Ivybridge threw the kitchen sink, Cotterill intercepted to set up Marcus Windsor for the final try.
Both the Cup and Vase have provided second chances through the Plate and Bowl since 2017. Newman won the plate, beating Uppingham 15-7 thanks to two wonder tries from fullback Will Varley, whilst Richard Hale beat Richard Huish 26-12 for the Bowl.
