The Cheltenham College Junior School first XV rugby team has just recorded an unbeaten season.
This record comes on top of the one set back in 2009 by the Under-11 Colts, a team which many of these boys were part of – a clear measure of both talent and dedication.
This season the boys played 20 matches, winning all 20 and scoring a massive 618 points.
They won both the Prior Park School Tournament and the Colston's School's Pre Season Tournament, as well as 12 regular season matches. Highlights of the season included a 44-5 win over Millfield, 31-0 over the Dragon School and a 61-5 victory over local rival Dean Close.
First XV coach Matt Dawson said of the boys' achievement: "I have been blessed to have inherited a cohort of boys eager to better themselves in training. They have relished the tougher games whilst remaining grounded. The team was coached to be decision makers and with an abundance of natural leaders, the volume of the side created confidence within the ranks. We don't fear losing, as the best lessons for boys can come in defeat but we do mind playing poorly."
Head of Boys Sport at CCJS, Duncan Simpson said, "The boys have helped Cheltenham College Junior School cement itself as a powerhouse on the national rugby circuit and one that is noted for its ability to produce tremendous players through a highly organised development system. We are immensely proud of the boys and look forward following their progress in the next steps on their rugby journey."
Simon Lane, assistant academy manager at Gloucester Rugby who has seen the boys play on a number of occasions said, "The team is a pleasure to watch. The boys play an ambitious style of rugby which tests and develops their skills under pressure, whilst scoring some superb tries in the process. They are a group of very intelligent players who work well together and have obviously been well guided by the coaching staff. They have made light work of what should have been a heavy fixture list and should be very proud of their achievements this season."
The school's second and third teams came within just one game of unbeaten seasons.
