note: since this report was filed, Hurst and Caterham School have met in a superb match in which Caterham proved the more powerful team and deservedly now go through into the quarter-finals. Every good wish from Hurst goes to their outstanding squad as they prepare for the next round.

Hurst power through to the last 32 in the Daily Mail Cup and Vase

Daily Mail Cup and Vase Round 5

Hurstpierpoint College 18
Chislehurst & Sidcup Grammar School 15

Scorers for Hurst:
Tries - Paul Mountain, Daniel Levene
Conversions – (1) Robert Biggs
Penalties – (2) Robert Biggs

This was an extraordinarily competitive and highly entertaining encounter between two well matched sides, each of whom boasted an U18 International player.

Charlie Matthews,, the Hurst captain and now England U18 Second Row, inspired Hurst to an excellent but remarkably hard fought victory which now sets up a 'last 32' clash against Caterham School this week.

Hurst played some excellent rugby in the first quarter of the game, with some wholehearted and committed play backed up by incisive three-quarter moves orchestrated by Robert Biggs, newly promoted from the U16’s and making only his second appearance – playing as a ‘fledgling’ fly-half - for the 1st XV. Hurst held the majority of the play early on, but it was Chislehurst & Sidcup Grammar who opened the scoring with a well-worked try following a deft kick by their fly-half.

In response, Hurst lay siege to the Chislehurst & Sidcup line and, after a sustained period of pressure, Paul Mountain levelled the score with a try from close range which Biggs subsequently converted. Both sides continued to play without restraint and were intent on trying to move the ball wide in the heavy conditions.

Hurst took the lead mid-way through the first half with a series of phase plays, culminating in a try for Daniel Levene after an astute chip ahead from Robert Biggs.

Not long afterwards, the pendulum swung again as Sidcup scored a second try just before the break to narrow the gap to just two points. Play throughout the second half ebbed and flowed with both sides having opportunities to extend the lead but although Hurst squandered some try scoring opportunities, their pressure gifted them two kickable penalties to take them 18 points to 10 clear.

"The game” said Hurst’s Director of Sport and 1st XV coach “closed with a grandstand finish as Sidcup scored a try near to the final whistle, but time had run out for the visitors and Hurst secured a memorable win. Paul Mountain, Nick Coulson & Robert Biggs were all hugely influential but the Man of the Match was Benj Doran who, in both offence and defence, was immense on the day.”