Oratory Rugby U15s are Schools' Cup Plate Runners-Up

In the Schools' Cup Plate Final at Saracens’ StoneX Stadium, The Oratory School U15s rugby team took part in a nail-biting game with Stamford School.

It was an incredibly exciting game that could have gone either way with The Oratory leading 10-0 deep in the second half.

A first half try from winger Matthew Carlisle Smith gave The Oratory the lead and Captain Cian Tappan extended this soon after half time.

What followed was a remarkable fifteen minutes which saw six tries scored.

Having led for most of the game, The Oratory now trailed 26-10 going into the final period but after a superb individual try from centre Elliott Saunders, a comeback seemed possible.

Saunders, collecting the ball inside his own half, showed great pace to beat his opposite man before rounding the fullback to score under the posts.

Soon after, strong carries from Rocco Vallebona and Archie Wild laid the foundation for Jake Jackson to score.

The backrow forward showed good strength to battle his way over the line.

A fairy tale finish for The Oratory was not to be however with Stamford School winning 26 points to 24 at the final whistle.

Mikey Hennessy, Head of Rugby at The Oratory said: "It was a brilliant spectacle for our boys to be involved in.

"The noise from the supporters in the stand was incredible.

"It was a shame we couldn’t hold our lead but the team should be proud of the way they played.

"Some of the handling was really excellent and I’m sure this is an experience they will remember for a long time."

The Oratory’s Schools' Cup Plate run started in September having won their regional section of the competition.

They defeated Blundell’s School in the National Quarter Final and Reading Blue Coat in the National Semi-Final to progress to Tuesday’s showpiece final at Saracens.