News
- A win over Cheltenham College has moved the 'Tommies' into the top ten
- It has helped maintain them as one of the leading rugby schools in state sector
- The Gloucester grammar school have won seven of eight matches this season
The 'Tommies' of Gloucester are on the march again as this year's SOCS Daily Mail Schools Trophy enters its final stages.
A first win over local rivals Cheltenham College has helped Sir Thomas Rich's School into the top 10 for the second time since the Trophy started in 2013.
That win in a match staged at Kingsholm has helped to maintain the 'Tommies' as one of the leading rugby schools in the state sector.
If they maintain their form they will be the only state school in the top 10 of this national competition which pits over 130 teams on a merit table-based basis during the autumn term.
The Gloucester grammar school have so far won seven games from eight in a successful season topped off by that win over Cheltenham College, 24-22, at Kingsholm.
These local derbies started in 2018 and have produced some close results that have seen the Cheltenham team emerge victorious.
Nick O'Neil, the director of sport at Sir Thomas Rich's, said the success had been built on plenty of hard work and proper training like analysis and recovery sessions.
Captain Mikey Nixon leaps in a line-out for the 'Tommies' who have made it into the top-ten
'It's down to hard work from everyone involved – players, coaches and the support we get from parents and the school.
'Our head coach Tomos Williams has also made the team attack-mined with a very strong maul.'
England under-17 Mikey Nixon has led the squad, including a winning try against Cheltenham, while hooker Sam Loftus contributed a double.
Nixon and co are following in the footsteps of Sam Underhill who started his career at the school before going on to win England honours.
'Tommies' continue their push for a top 10 finish this Saturday when they host another strong state school in Northampton School for Boys.
Leaders Clifton College, who travel to Bromsgrove School, need a further victory to have a chance of fending off second-placed Harrow who face Epsom College.
Team picture of Sir Thomas Rich's School who are one of the leading rugby schools in the state sector
While Clifton have won seven out of eight, Harrow are unbeaten in six matches including a 43-17 win over Bedford School last Saturday.
Third-placed Trinity School, who are also unbeaten in six games, host Eton and fourth-placed Sedbergh are at home to Mount St Mary's.
Fifth-placed Kirkham, who are the only team to beat Clifton so far, scored four first-half tries to overwhelm Merchant Taylors' Crosby, 31-7. Tries were scored by Jayrese Simms, Sydney Eenhoorn, James Sutcliffe and Aiden Hayward.
The Trophy is played over the autumn term on a merit table-based format organised by SOCS, the school management system company. This year a record 135 teams have entered.
