Our Year 10 & 11 girls delivered an outstanding performance last week at the prestigious Rosslyn Park Schools Sevens, returning as Plate winners after a series of impressive displays over two days.
Competing against strong opposition from across the country (and beyond) the girls showed resilience, skill, and exceptional teamwork throughout the 64-team tournament. All 12 players contributed to a true squad effort, including three players from Ponteland High School who were signed off to join the squad to cover injuries.
On a bright and sunny day 1, the girls topped their group of four with convincing wins against Reigate Grammar and Uffculme schools. The standout performance, however, was a determined comeback from 12-0 down at halftime to defeat Welland Park Academy.
With progression to day 2 secure as group winners, then followed a playoff against another pool-topping team – Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS) from Dubai where they play Rugby Sevens all year round. Their sevens prowess proved decisive, as JESS progressed to the Cup competition (which they went on to win) and QEHS into the Plate competition.
Day 2 featured two pools of four teams, with only the top side from each progressing to the final. The girls again showed their resilience, recording convincing wins over Wellington and Malmesbury schools, either side of a thrilling encounter with Kingsbridge Community College. Trailing 17–0 at half-time, they produced another remarkable comeback to win 22–17, sealing victory with the final play of the game.
The final, staged on RE2 – one of competition’s two renowned main pitches – saw them face Honiton Community College in worsening conditions as the drizzle set in. An early Honiton score was quickly cancelled out by a brilliant try from Abby, who jinked past onrushing defenders from the restart to level the score. Trailing 12-7 at half-time, the girls resolved themselves for one last push.
Relentless defensive work and quick reactions to secure the loose ball turned the momentum, with Charlotte A and Isla combining expertly to convert defence into attack and secure a narrow two-point lead. Another wave of pressure close to Honiton’s line led to a third try, extending the lead to 7 points but a missed conversion meant a tense finish…
Honiton pushed hard and won a penalty, but the QE girls held firm; Evie dislodged the ball in the tackle, Tori regained possession and got play out of our half. A knock-on from the offload didn’t matter – time was up – and the final whistle sparked jubilant celebrations in front of a raucous crowd! What an achievement!
Abby A, Annabelle M, Ariel L, Charlotte A, Charlotte H, Evie N, Imogen M, Isla M, Lucy C, Lucy P, Poppy H, Tori M – your schools, coaches, parents, Tynedale rugby club and the wider community are immensely proud of your achievement and representation of girls’ sporting excellence in North East! (Gateshead College, including three former QEHS pupils, also reached the final of the u18s Cup!)
Messages poured in on the journey home as news spread, with friends, family, teachers and supporters following the action via the livestream.
“That today was just one of the best performances I’ve seen” wrote one rugby aficionado. “The grit and determination from the girls was unreal!”
An unforgettable trip – and memories that will last a lifetime.
Watch the highlights from the final here: https://youtu.be/ZJe_uMzrECw
Well done!
Respect. Engage. Aspire.
