Eton College emerged victorious from the gruelling three-day Powder Byrne Schools 6 Nations, defeating a strong St. Paul’s team 31-24 in the final played at London Scottish’s Athletic Ground stadium.
Eton remained unbeaten throughout the competition, and fully deserved their victory after seeing off competition from nine other teams from across Europe. Throughout the competition, an extremely high standard of rugby was played by all teams, and defeated finalists St Paul’s full-back Jonny Walker was named player of the tournament after scoring 11 tries.
Downside school beat the London Scottish Academy side 17-5 in the Bowl Final, and Scotland’s own Merchiston Castle School defeated Sherborne 12-10 in the Plate Final.
France’s Lycee De Borda finished third in the tournament, losing only to both finalists.
It was clear from the standard of play that junior rugby is in rude health across all of the participating nations. Tournament Director David Leydon Dunbar was delighted with the performance from all teams: “It was clear from watching the Powder Byrne Schools 6 Nations unfold over the three days that it was going to be an extremely competitive contest. The levels of skill and athleticism on show from all teams was fantastic, and congratulations must go to all teams, and especially Eton College.”
Full Results
Friday 11th March
Pool A: Pool B:
Downside 7 v St.Pauls 27 Eton College 66 v Portora Royal 0
Rydal Penrhos 0 v Sherborne 50 London Scottish Academy 7 v Fettes College 51
Lycee De Borda 19 v Downside 7 Merchiston Castle School 5 v Eton College 21
Rydal Penrhos 0 v St.Pauls 53 London Scottish Academy 20 v Portora Royal 32
Sherborne 5 v Lycee De Borda 17 Fettes College 17 v Merchiston Castle School 12
Saturday 12th March
Pool A: Pool B:
Downside 5 v Rydal Penrhos 14 Eton College 52 v London Scottish Academy 0
St.Pauls 24 v Lycee De Borda 5 Portora Royal 0 v Merchiston Castle School 42
Sherborne 19 v Downside 0 Fettes College 14 v Eton College 31
Lycee De Borda 36 v Rydal Penrhos 5 Merchiston Castle School 51 v London Scottish Academy 0
St.Pauls 55 v Sherborne 0 Portora Royal 7 v Fettes College 32
Cup Semi Final One: St.Pauls 29 v Fettes College 7
Cup Semi Final Two: Eton College 14 v Lycee De Borda 5
Plate Semi Final One: Sherborne 45 v Portora Royal 7
Plate Semi Final Two: Merchiston Castle School 31 v Rydal Penrhos 5
Sunday 13th March
Bowl Final: Downside 17 v London Scottish Academy 5
3rd Place Play Off: Lycee De Borda 26 v Fettes College 5
Plate Play Off: Rydal Penrhos 5 v Portora Royal 7
Plate Final: Merchiston Castle School 12 v Sherborne 10
Championship Final: Eton College 31 v St.Pauls 24
Player of the Championship: Johnnie Walker (Number 15 St.Pauls with 11 tries for the Championship)
