Christ College Storm To Victory In A Special ‘One-Off’ Sevens Tournament In Cardiff

The Christ College squad stormed through their Group A stages unbeaten, beating Ysgol Glantaf (24-14), King’s Worcester (22-10) and a notable 17-10 win over Llandovery College. This meant that Christ College topped the group, earning a place in the semi-final of the Cup against the 2nd place team in Group B.

In the semi-final, Christ College beat a much-fancied Cheltenham College side, 17-5, to secure a place in the final. They went on to win the final in emphatic style, beating Monmouth School 31-5 to secure ‘The Chris Webber Cup’.

Christ College’s Director of Rugby, Jon Goodridge, said: “The whole squad were simply incredible! They were desperately unlucky not to be Cup finalists at last weekend’s tournament, but this victory confirms that this is a squad with real potential!”

Their victory at the Cardiff Arms Park tournament, and on their 3G artificial pitch, comes a week after the squad won the Plate at the West of England Sevens tournament.

At the West of England Sevens, Christ College drew their first fixture 5-5, against Monmouth School, but lost 19-12 against Cheltenham College. They then beat King’s Taunton 29-12, Kings Bruton 30+-0 and secured a 10-0 win over the hosts, Colston’s. This propelled Christ College straight into the Plate Final where they battled to a terrific 10 – 5 win over Taunton School to secure the Plate.

On the day, Christ College’s Director of Rugby, Jon Goodridge, said: “They were very unfortunate indeed not to top their group and compete in the final of the Cup. The Plate was the least that they deserved for their efforts. It is impossible to single out a player as the whole squad were outstanding.”

On the subject of the Cardiff tournament, Christ College’s Director of Sport, Tim Trumper, explained: “Unfortunately, we had to cancel this year’s Royal Welsh/Christ College Invitational Sevens tournament as our pitches just weren’t up to the rigours of the tournament due the battering they had taken from the weather.”

He continued: “So many other tournaments have fallen victim to the weather too and school teams however are desperate to get out and play some Sevens ahead of the National Schools (Rosslyn Park) Sevens at the end of this month. I’m pleased to say that the Sports Department here at Christ College came up with an initiative, with the support of the Old Breconian Association, to approach the Cardiff Blues with a proposal to hold a tournament on the 3G artificial pitch at the Cardiff Arms Park.”

In this one-off tournament, teams played for The Chris Webber Cup named in recognition of Christ College member of staff, Chris Webber, who retires from teaching at Christ College at the end of this academic year.

Director of Rugby, Jon Goodridge said: “It is fitting that an opportunity has arisen to arrange this tournament at the Cardiff Arms Park as Chris is a Cardiff RFC legend and someone who has enjoyed a distinguished career in education.