Try-scoring prop Phil Brantingham is making his mark in the SOCS Daily Mail Schools Trophy for RGS Newcastle.
Whitgift captain Joe Vajner charges forward in a match this season
The England under-18 prospect has scored six tries in all games to help his team find form in this national merit table-based competition sponsored by the school management system.
Brantingham, who was named in the latest England 40-strong training squad this week, is also part of the Newcastle Falcons academy.
'He's a very talented player and is having a very good season,' reports RGS head coach Andy Watt about his captain who was on England's under-18 trip to South Africa in the summer.
His latest try came in the 18-16 win over former Trophy champions Woodhouse Grove from Bradford.
RGS fought back from a 10-0 deficit thanks also to a try from wing Jonnie Bell and the goal kicking of centre Nathan Gough.
Gough was stepping up because of injury to regular marksman in fly half James Blackett.
Whitgift wing Ioan Parry tries to break through a tackle in a match this season.
He is getting himself ready to help lead RGS's challenge for a repeat success in the prestigious St Joseph's Festival which is staged next weekend (Oct 19-10).
The win over Grove was RGS's third out of four Trophy games, the only defeat coming against champions Sedbergh.
Whitgift are also recovering from a nearly-season defeat by Sedbergh. Their recent impressive form continued against Croydon-rivals John Fisher, 22-0.
Led by hooker Joe Vajner, who is in the London Irish academy, Whitgift cracked their local rivals through tries from Ioan Parry and Jake Murray.
Head coach Chris Wilkins said: 'It's always a special game against John Fisher who are always very competitive. Our lads had to work very hard.'
Brighton College are another team preparing for the St Joseph's weekend. Their latest win came against Trinity, 50-8, and featured three tries from No 8 Sam Adu.
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