Big boys clash in first round

SOME heavyweight clashes kick off this season’s Daily Mail Schools Trophy tomorrow, including champions Wellington College taking on Dulwich. Wellington are looking to rebuild, with last season’s brilliant half-back pairing of Tom Parton and Rory Brand now at London Irish. Dulwich, who won the national knockout cup three times in a row from 2012, are also rebuilding after an inconsistent campaign — although they did beat Wellington 27-12. Croydon-based Whitgift are at home to Cumbrian giants Sedbergh. Both schools warmed up for this north-south clash by winning pre-season festivals last weekend. Whitgift won the Esher Festival while Sedbergh won the Tynedale tournament. Kirkham, who finished second last season, start their campaign at Northampton School for Boys while third-placed Bedford are at home to Uppingham. Another heavyweight Midlands clash sees fourth-placed Bromsgrove, national knockout champions, visit Warwick. On the north circuit, former champions Woodhouse Grove travel to St Peter’s of York while tonight Durham and RGS Newcastle meet under the Kingston Park lights.