Church Stretton School’s rugby players enter unknown territory next week knowing they are just three games away from running out on the hallowed turf at Twickenham.
The school’s under-15 side have reached the last 16 of the prestigious national Daily Mail Vase for the first time – and now face an overnight trip to Norwich School next Thursday.
And their success has meant that some of next week’s mock exams have had to be rescheduled to accommodate the absence of the team’s players for their Vase assignment.
“To reach the last 16 is a terrific achievement and whatever happens now the lads have done themselves proud,” said master in charge of PE Martyn Longhurst.
“I think we’re the only comprehensive school left in the competition, the rest are independent schools.
“When you consider that we train one hour a week with our side, while the other schools can train two or three hours a day, it shows what an achievement it is.
“Everyone’s buzzing at the moment and looking forward to going to Norwich. We don’t know what to expect, but even to get to this stage of a national competition we’ve done extremely well.
“It’s a long drive so we’re travelling overnight which has brought about a lot of planning and also a few headaches.
“The lads are taking their mocks next week so we’ve had to juggle the exams with them being away.”
Church Stretton started the adventure with a 48-0 win over Hereford Cathedral School in the first round of the Daily Mail Cup, but then lost in the second round 24-7 to Kings School, Worcester, which then saw them entered for the Vase.
That was the one defeat that the school have suffered this season, and it seemed to spur them on.
“It was a game we could have won, but that defeat seemed to kickstart our season,” added Longhurst. “We’ve gone from strength to strength after that and the lads have worked and trained really hard and have formed a strong unit.”
Stretton, who have lost just once in 12 outings this season, reached the last 16 this week with a fine 36-5 victory over Kenilworth School and Sports College, Warwickshire.
They led just 7-5 at half time but stormed ahead in the second period to run out emphatic winners.
Second half displays have often been the key to success, and underline the efforts and fitness of the squad.
Captain and No 8 Robert Higgins led the way with a brace of tries in the win against Kenilworth School.
There were also touchdowns from fly half Keiran Pinches, prop Jack Welch and full back Ross McKaill who also kicked four conversions and a penalty.
• Team picture – see page 46 of South Shropshire Journal, January 23.