QEGS are through to the Quarter Finals of the U18 Continental Tyres National Schools Cup after a thrilling 31-22 victory over Durham School. Following a disappointing performance at St. Joe’s before half-term, the 1st XV regained momentum with a determined display that saw them advance to the last eight of the National Cup.

The match opened with a few half-chances, but it was Durham who struck first, putting pressure on the QEGS defence with an early penalty, followed by a carefully constructed try to go 10-0 ahead. With halftime approaching, QEGS found a lifeline as vice-captain Rust powered over from close range, narrowing the deficit. Barker then added three more points, converting a penalty to bring QEGS within two points.

The game’s turning point arrived when Mountain, coming off the bench, crafted a brilliant try to push QEGS ahead for the first time. The hosts had already identified a weakness in Durham’s right channel, but it was Centre Dale who finally exploited it, setting up Winger Mackenzie, who, with skillful play, passed the ball back inside to Mountain. Showing his speed, Mountain dashed into the corner, and Barker’s reliable boot extended QEGS’ lead to 15-10 at halftime.

After the break, QEGS continued to press, scoring two unanswered penalties to widen the gap. However, a yellow card for Gibson briefly shifted momentum, giving Durham an opening that they seized with two tries, leaving the score at a tense 24-22. With a draw enough for Durham to progress under the away rule, QEGS could not afford to let up. Once again, it was Rust who stepped up, spotting a gap in the Durham defence and surging through to score under the posts. Perhaps slightly risky given the cover defence may have caused an error?Rust’s decisive try was converted by Barker, pushing the QEGS lead to 31-22.

A scrappy knock-on brought the match to an end, sealing QEGS’ first Quarter Final appearance at U18 level since before the COVID-19 pandemic—a significant achievement. With the next opponents yet to be determined, the team’s prospects remain wide open, and as Mr. Barker famously remarked, “it’s anybody’s trophy when you reach the last eight!” Congratulations to QEGS on a well-earned victory; the team is hungry for more!