The next generation of sporting talent showcased their skills in two days of top-flight competition.
Barnard Castle School’s senior rugby players joined forces with teammates from Yorkshire to take on the might of a touring side from New Zealand.
The following day it was the turn of rugby and hockey players from Barnard Castle Preparatory School who hosted an annual competition, now in its 15th year, attracting young athletes from all over the country.
Barney’s lower and upper sixth students, including the first XV, were joined by players from St Peter’s School, York, in a 40-strong squad to play a touring side from Lindisfarne College, Hastings, in New Zealand, under the floodlights at Darlington Mowden Park RUFC.
The second team claimed a victory but Barney’s first XV fell just short against a side containing some players tipped to be the next generation of All Blacks.
Barnard Castle School’s second master and rugby coach Martin Pepper said: “This was a great event for all the schools. Both games were extremely competitive and the setting of the Darlington Mowden Park stadium really added to the occasion.
“We enjoyed hosting the boys from New Zealand and it was good to share our rugby cultural values and create memories and friendships for life.”
Next day U10 and U12 girls from around the region competed, respectively, on the astro at Barnard Castle School against six other teams for the Seddon Cup, named after retired teacher Sue Seddon and Ewart Cup, after former headmaster David Ewart.
On the rugby pitches six teams, one from as far away as Scotland, others from across the North East and Yorkshire, competed in the Clegg Festival, named after Old Barnardian Rory Clegg, who went on to play fly half for England U20s, England Saxons, Newcastle Falcons and Harlequins. The U12s competed in the Tait 10s, named after Old Barnardians Alex Tait, who played for Newcastle Falcons and Mathew Tait, a back for Leicester Tigers and England.
Prep School headmistress Laura Turner said: “We love hosting this annual sporting festival which attracts children from across the country all with a common love of sport.
“While on the pitch the competition is healthy, once the whistle blows, it is great to see friendships being forged that could very well last a lifetime.”
Barnard Castle School headmaster David Cresswell added: “It is always an absolute pleasure to host players from other parts of the country and the world. It is a reminder that the lessons of sport, such as resilience, teamwork and courage, reach far beyond the final whistle.
“Win or lose they have been part of something bigger and they will have left the field knowing that they had the courage to try.”
Categories: Barnard Castle School School News
