Bishop Wordsworth’s School end their run of defeats in this year’s SOCS Daily Mail Schools Trophy

Bishop Wordsworth’s School are celebrating at last in this year’s SOCS Daily Mail Schools Trophy after a frustrating autumn.

The Salisbury team recorded their first win of the campaign when beating Pangbourne College last weekend, 26-10.

This followed a run of defeats including three by a single point against Canford (18-19), Oratory (14-15) and Wiltshire rivals Dauntsey’s (17-18).

Bishop Wordsworth’s School are celebrating at last in the SOCS Daily Mail Schools Trophy

‘It could have been a completely different season if things had gone a little bit more in our favour,’ commented head of rugby Rich Demain-Griffiths.

‘But credit must go to the boys who have grown and evolved over the course of the season,’ he added.

‘The tries against Pangbourne came across the park and were off the back of excellent attacking phases.’

They recorded their first win of the campaign when beating Pangbourne College last weekend

This followed a run of defeats including three by a single point against Canford (18-19), Oratory (14-15) and Wiltshire rivals Dauntsey’s (17-18)

One team maintaining their form is Trinity School, Croydon, who are in second place following a 38-21 win over Hampton last weekend.

It continued Trinity’s unbeaten record and keeps the pressure on leaders Clifton and ahead of third-placed Sedbergh.

Trinity’s success has been built on a quick game plan and the win over Hampton featured two crucial tries just before half-time from backs Sam Medcraft and Conor Byrne.

Among the chasing pack are unbeaten Oakham who edged out Bedford School, 40-24.

 Among the chasing pack are unbeaten Oakham who edged out Bedford School, 40-24

This followed wins over Rugby (29-14), Bromsgrove (36-12), Warwick (33-7) and a hard-fought 27-24 defeat of Stowe in the national cup.

It left Oakham’s director of rugby Andy Rice praising his squad for their commitment. ‘The match against Bedford was our third in all competitions over a seven-day period so it’s been hard work for everyone.’

The Trophy is played over the autumn term on a merit table-based format organised by SOCS, the school management system company. This year a record 135 teams have entered.