Fair play to school’s under 14s

4:30pm Tuesday 13th May 2008

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BLESSED Edward Oldcorne Catholic College scooped the fair play award from the Daily Express Emerging Schools Rugby Festival at Staines.

But the under 14s girls, picked from years seven to nine, missed out on a national place at Twickenham after finishing third in their pool.

Although rugby is covered in the Worcester school's curriculum, the girls' side have only been training together for the past three months.

Once into the regional tournament, they had improved enough to qualify for the Staines tournament.

Hannah Watts, an established triathlete, impressed as scrum-half along with fly-half Ellie Gerold, who has been selected to play for the Worcestershire Schools side.

The two were influential in achieving some fine results on the way and the team's fair play award reflected their sporting attitude.

Their teacher Lotty Keys said: "I am extremly proud of their achievements.

"Their attacking and defending skills for such a young team were inspirational and their attitude a reflection of their enthusiasm as young sportswomen.

"We have many potential future internationals."

The Chase Technology College Malvern's under 12s boys also did superbly to reach the Staines event but failed to qualify from their group.

The 12 finalists eventually met on the Twickenham turf during the game between the Army and Navy.

More than 50,000 children nationwide have taken part since the festival's launch last October.