By Josh Bartholomew
Hampton’s 1st XV are today playing at Rugby School for the chance to reach the Champions Trophy final. It’s been a phenomenal effort so far from the team to get to a national semi-final, and they’ve travelled to the Midlands with high hopes of returning with victory. The game will be live-blogged below, with updates from 2pm.
Rugby 12-7 Hampton, 37 mins
Hampton deal with the driving maul well, forcing Rugby to go to the backs. Hampton turn it over brilliantly, and replacement scrum-half Joe Sykes kicks it off the field – it's half-time.
Rugby 12-7 Hampton, 35 mins
Rugby take the kick-off, break forward and gain the penalty. They kick to the 22…
Rugby 12-7 Hampton, 34 mins
Rugby break down the outside before a last-ditch tackle from Barry ensures Hampton win the ball back despite very-strong opposition position. Greenall box-kicks to the Rugby half, but they break brilliantly. Rugby build the phases in the 22, taking advantage of tiring Hampton legs and an extra man. And the personnel advantage eventually tells, as Rugby centre Baldwin scores.
Rugby 5-7 Hampton, 25 mins
But the line-out is dropped, and Hampton have the scrum! Hampton attack well with some spectacular exchanges between Iestyn Humphrey, Benson and Aidan Barry, before Benson kicks long. It's a great kick-chase from the Lions, but Rugby win the scrum well inside their own half.
Rugby 5-7 Hampton, 25 mins
Rugby gradually break into the 22 with their powerful carries, but great last-gasp defence from Hampton forces the opposition into touch. From the line-out, Hampton are penalised and replacement Lucas Mangham is yellow-carded. Rugby secure the line-out 5m out.