News
- A 16-5 defeat at Millfield ruined hopes of a third title for Sedbergh
- The defeat ended a remarkable winning run of 46 games since November 2016
- Sedbergh's loss hands title chance to leaders Cranleigh or Wellington in second
Sedbergh have lost their hold on a third successive SOCS Daily Mail Schools Trophy.
A 16-5 defeat at Millfield not only ruined hopes of a third title but ended a remarkable winning run of 46 games for the all-conquering Cumbrian school since November 2016.
Sedbergh's slip up hands a title chance to leaders Cranleigh, who host Canford on Saturday, or second-placed Wellington who play at Tonbridge.
Third-placed Epsom, who meet St John's Leatherhead, also have a chance but need the top two to falter.
Calculators may well be needed to separate Cranleigh, who head the table on an average merit points of 6.60 per game, and Wellington, 6.43, in this national competition sponsored by SOCS, the school management system.
Millfield's crucial try came from Will Joseph, the centre following in the footsteps of his brother Jonathan of England and Bath fame.
Sedbergh, who needed a bonus point win to clinch the title, were always behind to a Millfield team who have rapidly improved over the autumn term.
Besides Joseph's second-half try, Millfield's goal-kicking of scrum-half Cal Smith had an excellent match landing three penalty goals and a conversion of Joseph's try.
Sedbergh's head coach Simon Mulholland said: 'We've no complaints. We were beaten fair and square by a better team on the day.'
A late try from wing Harry Shiel was Sedbergh's only score in a match when Mulholland added: 'We just did not take our chances - which is very unusual for us.'
Sedbergh's slip up hands a title chance to leaders Cranleigh, who host Canford on Saturday
John Mallett, Millfield's director of rugby, praised an all-round effort. 'The team have come together in the last two months or so.
'A win over Whitgift last month gave the team a lot of confidence. Our captain Ollie Burrows has been an inspirational figure.'
Cranleigh, inspired by England Under 18 players Oscar Beard and Will Trenholm, maintained their good form by beating Marlborough, 41-7.
Wellington, who are seeking a first Trophy title since 2016, will looking to complete a double this season following their win in the RFU's Champions Trophy final, 41-19 against Rugby at Saracens' Allianz Park.
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