Kirkham eager to carry banner for the North

KIRKHAM Grammar School will kick off the defence of their North of England Sevens title today high on confidence following their triumph at the Colston’s tournament last Sunday.

They reached the final after thumping wins over Cabot Learning Foundation, Clifton College and Prior Park in the pools before beating Bristol GS and Shiplake College in the quarter and semi-finals.

They were challenged in the final by Abingdon but even a spirited effort from the Oxfordshire school was not enough to stop Kirkham who came out 22-5 victors.

The North of England Sevens had to be cancelled last year but Kirkham will return to St Anselm’s College and Birkenhead School today eager to defend their crown against the best Northern schools.

Sedbergh will also go into the tournament on the back of recent success having won in Mount St Mary’s last Sunday.

They have been drawn against the team they beat in the final,

Durham, and are believed to be struggling with injuries ahead of today’s competition.

“It was touch and go all week but we’ve decided to go ahead with the tournament this year,” tournament chairman Graeme Merrs told TRP. “This is the last chance for the northern schools to build some momentum ahead of Rosslyn Park.

“Sedbergh have had great success so far winning the two tournaments they entered but between injuries and England U18s call ups they are struggling to put a side together.”

Blundell’s season went from strength to strength last Sunday with a stunning 22-14 win over

Millfield in the final of the Marces Sevens.

Tonbridge School triumphed at the Reigate Charity Sevens while RGS High Wycombe claimed the title in Windsor.