Plymouth College overcame a heavy pitch, high winds and determined opposition on their way to a workmanlike victory over John Hampden Grammar School in the final of the South West A section of the Daily Mail U18 Vase. The win puts the team through to the national quarter finals.
Plymouth enjoyed superior territory in both halves of the game and despite playing into a strong wind first half, turned around 15-7 up thanks to tries from Jake Kingscott, Tom Jordan and a conversion and penalty from Ed Neeves. John Hampden's points came from a Plymouth defensive lapse at scrum time and continued the Plymouth side's habit of allowing most opponents a soft score.
Although the second half contained only one score, this does not do justice to the dominance of Plymouth who spent the vast majority of the period in their opponents final third. A little ring rust, allied to over eagerness and difficult conditions meant that several chances were not converted.
Plymouth's final score came as a result of sustained pressure finally buckling the resolute John Hampden defence, allowing Ed Neeves to score a try that he also successfully converted. Final score Plymouth College 22, John Hampden Grammar School 7.
Plymouth College is now through to the national quarter finals, due to be played in the next two weeks against Surrey's Tiffin School.
