Private School News

Best of school rugby on display at Prior Park Rugby Festival

Last weekend saw Prior Park Preparatory School in Cricklade play host to some of the finest school rugby teams from across Southern England at its 26th annual Prep School Rugby Festival.

After the deluges of the first weeks of the term, the weather was perfect for a weekend of rugby. Saturday saw some excellent play from the U11s with teams from The Downs, Wraxall and St. John’s on the Hill, Chepstow contesting a very physical battle. The dazzling skills of The Downs eventually overcame the ferocity of St John’s by one try to nil to end an excellent day of rugby.

Sunday saw the U13 tournament with schools travelling from as far as Suffolk to compete. Prior Park’s own team narrowly lost out to Old Buckenham Hall in the final group game to go through to the Plate. St John’s came through to win the Bowl, but, whilst beating Pinewood by thirty four points to nil, this was not enough to see the home side to victory in the Plate, narrowly losing out to Beaudesert in the later stages.

An outstanding weekend of rugby saw over three hundred boys competing, some excellent rugby in the sun, and, mercifully, no major injuries!

As always the weekend was supported by a team of Army referees, St John’s Ambulance and the very hardworking Prior Park Prep School Parents’ Association, staff and pupils.

“We were delighted, as always, to host our annual rugby Festival with a high standard of skill, team work and sportsmanship on display from all teams.
It was also gratifying to see our first competitive match for girls’ hockey on the school’s new Astroturf,” said Mr Gerry Hobern, Headmaster.

Full results and pictures are published on Prior Park Prep School’s website at www.priorparkschools.co.uk