A PIECE OF SCHOOLBOY SPORTING HISTORY
December 2017 saw our 1st XV players in the final of the U18 Champions Trophy at Allianz Park, the home of Saracens RFC. The opponents were Blundell’s, a team packed full of talent. The DC black and blue army knew they had be at their very best to create a piece of schoolboy sporting history and become the first school to win both the Champions Trophy and the Schools Cup. Buoyed by some vociferous support from OAs, parents, staff and Alleynians including the whole of the Junior School, DC surged into an early 14-3 lead, though Blundell’s fought back with two quick-fire tries to nudge in front. Playing against a stroke of half time, a powerful DC driving maul led to another try and a slender four point lead at the break – we were poised for an excellent second half,
and it didn’t disappoint. DC again started brightly scoring a spectacular team try in the corner, before team captain Oscar Gleave
rendition of the school song, Pueri Alleynienses, before thanking all their supporters.
nonchalantly slotted a drop goal from 30 yards to extend the lead to 31-17. However, they are made of tough stuff in Devon and Blundell’s wouldn’t lie down without a fight, scoring two further tries to narrow the lead to just two points with ten
minutes remaining on the clock. It was rivetting viewing! A further three points for DC from a penalty provided a slight cushion, but Blundell’s continued to throw everything at us in the dying stages. The team remained organised and resolute in defence as they held on for a well-deserved victory. The celebrations at the final whistle were something to behold as the boys joined in with a rousing
Just three days after this tremendous win the College welcomed back, 20 years on, arguably the most famous English School team ever, our Dream Team. During that first term of the 1997-98 season, no one remotely came close to Andrew Sheridan (90-98), David Flatman (96-98) and company. Played 15, won 15, 826 points scored, 47 points conceded for an average weekly rout of 55-3.
20
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker