Category: Rugby
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Founders’ Day Sevens: Hampton’s successful cup-run
By Josh Bartholomew Hampton avenged last season’s defeat in the final of the Founders’ Day 7s with a stunning victory over Cranleigh, but how did they get there? Hampton 26-17 St. Benedict’s Hampton kicked-off the tournament with a comfortable 26-17 win over St. Benedict’s. It didn’t take long for the home team to be ignited…
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Hampton overwhelm Cranleigh with destructive final performance to win Founders’ Day Sevens
By Josh Bartholomew Hampton’s 1st VII kickstarted their Sevens season with a triumphant victory in their home tournament, beating Cranleigh 31-12 in the Founders’ Day Sevens final to win their own 7s tournament. After winning all four group matches, tries from Joe Sykes, Ethan Knight, Jamie Benson and Aidan Barry were enough to help Hampton to…
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Former pupil Gwilym Bradley selected in Wales U20 team to play Ireland
By Josh Bartholomew Gwilym Bradley OH (2019) has been selected on the substitutes’ bench for Wales U20 in Ireland this weekend. Bradley, who can play across the back-row, will wear the number 20 shirt and look to make an impact in the latter stages of the game as a replacement. Bradley’s U20 debut marks a…
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1st XV fly-half Jamie Benson selected for England U18s
By Josh Bartholomew Hampton and Harlequins fly-half, Jamie Benson, has been selected for the England U18 squad. Despite still being an U17, Benson’s impressive performances for Hampton during the Champions Trophy cup run, as well as the starring role he’s played for Harlequins during the U18 Academy League, have caught the eye of the England…
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Former HSC Editor Will Kelleher nominated for Rugby Writer of the Year award
By Josh Bartholomew Daily Mail rugby journalist – Will Kelleher OH (2010) – has been nominated for the Rugby Writer of the Year award by the Sports Journalists’ Association. Kelleher, who edited the Hampton Sports Chronicle in 2010, has forged a successful career at the Daily Mail since leaving the school, travelling to a Lions…
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U14B score five as Hampton ease past Campion
By Josh Freer Hampton scored five excellent tries to beat a brave Campion School team by 31 points to nil on Saturday. Hampton kicked off to a receiving Campion, but possession immediately changed in Hampton’s favour, and winger Saganan Thuraisingham notched up the first five points of the match. Full back Oliver Goodchild took the…
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U14A dominate Campion with professional performance to take emphatic win
By Max Cardosi A wide pitch and windy conditions aided Hampton in their emphatic 59-5 win over Campion School in the Saturday rugby block fixtures. From the kick-off Hampton struck first with the ball landing at Sam Ho’s feet, giving him time to make an electric break round the outside of the Campion defence before…
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U14B fall to Warwick despite defensive endeavour
By Tom Oliver Hampton’s U14B rugby side showed brilliant defensive skill to restrict the score away to Warwick School, but failed to take their attacking opportunities when they had the ball. In a fixture in which a year ago Hampton conceded over 50 points, the game started well for the visitors, as debutant fly-half Ted…
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Hartikainen helps London Irish U18s to Academy League final
By Josh Bartholomew 1st XV back Jesper Hartikainen helped ensure the London Irish U18 squad’s place in the Premiership Academy League final after a convincing 19-47 victory over Exeter in Truro. Hartikainen, who starred at outside-centre for the 1stXV on their run to the Champions Trophy semi-final, scored six tries in six games for the…
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U13A power past Warwick for historic victory
By Joe Cornell Hampton School’s U13A rugby team produced an outstanding performance to win away from home against Warwick School. The Hampton players were desperate to win, after narrowly losing last year, and they started strongly with a good drive. This came to nothing, though, and Warwick counter-attacked. Hampton’s defence remained strong, holding off their…
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Former pupil Gwilym Bradley offered Cardiff Blues academy contract
By Josh Bartholomew Gwilym Bradley OH (2019), last year’s vice-captain of Rugby, has secured an academy contract with Cardiff Blues after impressing in the BUCS Super League with Bath University. Bradley, a versatile backrower, competed for Wales U18 and U19 last season, and has been training with the U20 squad ahead of the Six Nations…
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OH Simon Amor appointed England Rugby attack coach
By Josh Bartholomew Simon Amor OH (1997) has been appointed by England men’s head coach Eddie Jones as the national team’s attack coach ahead of the upcoming Six Nations. Amor leaves his position as head of the England Sevens men’s and women’s programme to join Jones’ coaching team. Amor, who enjoyed an illustrious playing career…
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U13A emerge the best of three in junior rugby tournament
By Joe Cornell Hampton recorded convincing wins against Tiffin School and St Benedicts in a tough three-cornered competition.. Hampton opened the morning with a tough match against Tiffin School. The forwards from Tiffin were strong and physical, but Hampton contained them. Adam Gwynne scored the first try for Hampton, with Ben Conaghan adding two more. …
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U14C edged out in close Brighton College encounter
By Tom Oliver Hampton’s U14C team lost to Brighton College in their first match of the season despite a strong performance, beaten by a score line of 35-22. Brighton scored straight from the kick-off, and converted the try to take the lead, before a series of strong Hampton attacks eventually resulted in a try for…
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U14B seal conclusive win over Brighton College
By Josh Freer Hampton School’s U14B rugby team completed a conclusive home win over Brighton College at the weekend, writes Josh Freer. The game started off with a long kick into receptive Hampton hands. An excellent catch by Tom Holland led to a good run before Hampton unfortunately lost possession of the ball. But not…
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Grim weather fails to deter U14A from easing past Brighton
By Max Cardosi It was cold, muddy day with bitter weather, but these factors did not stop Hampton from achieving a substantial 19-0 victory against Brighton College. After a Brighton kick-off, Hampton were pushed deep into their 22, and forced to clear their lines immediately. The result was a Brighton knock-on, which Hampton could capitalise on.…
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U13A excel to come second in Middlesex Cup tournament
By Joe Cornell Hampton U13As entered this tournament wanting to win. As reigning champions, they started the day with a 35-0 win over St Benedict’s. Joe Cornell opened the scoring and Tom Harvey, Harry Armstrong and Adam Gwynne scored the pick of the other tries,. Next came Haydon School, who Hampton demolished. They won 45-0…
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U14A tie with Trinity in tight, rainy affair
By Max Cardosi Hampton’s U14A rugby team played out a tough fixture against Trinity School, ending in a narrow 7-7 draw. It was a damp wet Saturday with pitches as muddy as they have been this autumn, but that did not deter Hampton’s team spirit as they came into the game knowing it would be…
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Powerful Trinity team teach Hampton a tough rugby lesson
By Tom Oliver Hampton’s U14B rugby team suffered a heavy defeat 5-33 at the hands of a strong Trinity School outfit, with plenty of lessons to absorb for the future. Hampton started the game the stronger of the two teams, and flanker Connor Croudace crossed the line early on to give the hosts a five…
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Champions Trophy semi-final: Tenacious Hampton beaten at the death by devastating late Rugby try
By Josh Bartholomew Sometimes, words can’t quite describe the drama on a sporting field. This was certainly one of those occasions. In the closing minutes alone of this Champions Trophy semi-final, the pendulum swung back-and-forth, back-and-forth – to Rugby, to Hampton, to Hampton, but the crucial blow was the final one, and it was Rugby’s,…
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Champions Trophy semi-final: Live Updates
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…
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Champions Trophy semi-final: 1st XV head to the home of the sport in search of history
By Josh Bartholomew For the 1st XV, today’s Champions Trophy semi-final at Rugby School represents more than just the opportunity to play at the home of the sport – it’s the chance to do what no Hampton rugby team has ever done before and reach a national final. Reaching a semi-final isn’t entirely unusual for…
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Champions Trophy semi-final: 1st XV captain Theo Johnson talks to HSC
By Josh Bartholomew Ahead of the 1st XV’s national semi-final on Wednesday, HSC caught up with the team’s captain: talismanic prop, Theo Johnson. How has the season gone so far? It’s gone pretty well so far. We are currently unbeaten at home, despite the 12-12 draw against Berkhamsted last weekend, which was mainly due to…
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Hampton ease past Uppingham to set up Champions Trophy semi-final
By Josh Bartholomew Fly half Jamie Benson inspired Hampton’s 1st XV to a 27-7 victory over Uppingham with a dominant first-half performance to progress to the semi-finals of the Champions Trophy. Tries from backs Aidan Barry, Pat Silcox, Rory Carr and Dan Finlay ensured Hampton’s place in the next round, where they’ll face either Wellington…
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Champions Trophy Preview: Hampton host Uppingham for a semi-final berth
By Josh Bartholomew After a thrilling 38-0 victory at Berkhamsted last month, the 1st XV will today host Uppingham School for a place in the Champions Trophy semi-finals. The team have managed to battle through a tough start to the season – losing to Cranleigh and Tonbridge – and are now competing with the very…
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U14A beat Cranleigh with second-half surge
By Max Cardosi Hampton built up a strong lead in their first home match of the season versus Cranleigh, and proved too strong for their opponents in a hard-fought second half. Hampton made the running in the opening exchanges. They passed the ball wide and Frank Hall made the first break of the game as…
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U12C continue victorious run in triangular tournament
By James Eggleton Hampton continued their excellent form from last week with a 15 – 0 win and a closely fought 5 – 5 draw in their triangular tournament. Great ball movement brought them a hatful of tries, and some superb tackling meant that no games were lost. Game 1: Hampton 15-0 Reigate Grammar School Hampton started…
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U14B draw with Wellington College in nail-biting clash
By Tom Oliver Hampton’s U14B rugby side played well and were unlucky not to come away with a win, as they drew 12-12 with Wellington College, writes Tom Oliver. Nick Lewis scored early on for Hampton, who were able to sustain the lead until early in the second half, when Wellington struck back. Navik Mendis…
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Close victory for U12C vs St. George’s
By James Eggleton Hampton’s U12C team played with new-found confidence and consistency to win 15-10 over St. George’s and redeem last week’s defeat. The game started reasonably tamely with St George’s kicking off. Both sides had equal possession with some crunching tackles, including a crucial tackle by Ralph Yao. It was St George’s who broke…
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Mr Slater: Reflections on a golden age
By Tom Oliver It’s a Wednesday afternoon in late September, and a light drizzle is coming down outside as I sit in the Economics Department office. The evenings are growing darker and the days shorter in the UK, while in Japan the weather is still warm, and a festival of Rugby is just beginning. The…
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1st XV progress to Champions Trophy Round of 16 with win over Tonbridge
By Josh Bartholomew Hampton’s 1st XV beat Tonbridge 24-15 with a professional performance to progress to the Round of 16 stage of the Champions Trophy. Tries from Jesper Hartikainen, Alex Taylor and Luke Greenall as well as nine points from the boot of Jamie Benson ensured the 1st XV’s place in the second round, where…
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Late flourish gives U14A first win of the season
By Max Cardosi Two late tries gave Hampton a battling home victory over Cranleigh following a disappointing result last week. After a few forward moves early in the game, Hampton spread the ball wide and Frank Hall nearly made the first break as he burst through the centre of the pitch. Cranleigh conceded a number…
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Louis Lynagh makes professional Harlequins debut in Premiership Rugby Cup
By Josh Bartholomew Former 1st XV captain Louis Lynagh (OH 2019) made his Harlequins debut off the bench in their Premiership Rugby Cup win over Bristol Bears on Friday night. Lynagh, who played for England’s U16 and U18 teams, was offered an academy contract at the Stoop upon leaving school last summer and has begun…
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U14A take part in St. John’s double-header
By Tom Oliver Hampton’s U14A rugby team played two games over the weekend at St. John’s Leatherhead, drawing 15-15 with Tonbridge before losing heavily to the hosts. Tonbridge scored early and took a two-try lead before Frank Hall’s run gave Hampton their first points of the game. Tonbridge then scored again before Hampton struck back…
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OH Alex Lundberg: I just want to be playing rugby
An exclusive interview with Josh Bartholomew, Online Editor It’s the most wintry of winter days when we meet in mid-December – the rain is pouring, temperatures are close to freezing and Alex Lundberg’s hair is in a wet mop across his face having just beaten Richmond in the Championship Cup. Yet still, the Old Hamptonian…
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Blazing a Trail: Ben Ward’s journey to the top of Championship rugby
An exclusive interview with Josh Bartholomew, Online Editor Ringfencing the Gallagher Premiership is the debate which plagues English rugby. Its supporters say that it would aid youth development in creating greater opportunities; its critics think that it needlessly inhibits the dreams of lower-level clubs. Old Hamptonian and Ealing Trailfinders Director of Rugby Ben Ward is…
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From the Archives: Natwest quarter-final heartbreak for 1st XV
The following article is taken from Hampton Sports Chronicle’s Summer 2014 edition, which was edited by Matt Roberts and Jake Goodwill (both OH 2014). By Tom Berry, Joe Burdis, Jake Goodwill, Hugo Green and Alex Griffith-Jones (OH 2014/2015) 3rd Round – Wimbledon College 0-31 Hampton 31 As covered in the last issue, Hampton faced Wimbledon College in…
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U6th pair face-off in international U19 match
By Josh Bartholomew, Online Editor Louis Lynagh and Gwilym Bradley, the 1st XV captain and vice-captain respectively, played against each other for their international teams. Lynagh started on the wing for England despite hefty competition from players with a year’s experience in professional rugby. Bradley, playing for Wales, was selected in the openside-flanker jersey despite…
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U16s turn out for professional rugby clubs as season draws to a close
By Josh Bartholomew, Online Editor Six Hampton U16 rugby players – David Ellis, Jack Slaney, Matt Le Moign, Rupert Reddish, Lucas Mangham and Joe Sykes – were part of London Irish Academy’s squad to play in the Birmingham Festival last Sunday. Ellis, Slaney and Le Moign, along with fellow Hamptonian Tim Lamming, played against Harlequins…
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U12s share Surrey Sevens title with strong performance
By Joe Cornell Hampton Under 12 rugby team finished their season in style with an excellent performance at the Surrey Sevens, playing some glorious rugby throughout the day. Hampton won two and drew one of their games, and ran out joint winners in the end – RGS Guildford had a better points difference but Hampton…
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U12Bs fight back from 5-15 behind to beat Harrodian
By Isaac Tarragano Hampton U12Bs beat Harrodian U12A 20-15 after a dramatic second-half comeback. Harrodian surged ahead from the start and scored three tries quickly. But that didn’t dispirit Hampton, and Ben Conaghan scored a last minute try to end the half 5-15 to Harrodian. In the second half, the Hampton U12Bs rediscovered their A…
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Lynagh called up by England U18s for France clash
By Josh Bartholomew, Online Editor Hampton’s Rugby Captain, Louis Lynagh, has been called up by England U18s for their Six Nations game against France later this month. Lynagh, who was England’s vice-captain in their U16 fixture against Wales two years ago and has since been selected for numerous national age-grade squads, enjoyed a successful season…
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U16s bounce back from early loss to win Worth 7s Plate
By Josh Bartholomew, Online Editor Hampton’s U16 VII beat St. Paul’s School 14-12 in the Worth School 7s Vase final to secure vital silverware heading into the national tournament at Rosslyn Park later this month. The team began well, beating traditional rivals Dulwich 12-5 thanks to a well-taken double from back Joe Sykes. Next, the U16 VII…
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2J tackle their way to tight interform victory
By Josh Freer A flock of rugby stars from 2J led their form to a tense victory in the inter-form competition. The inter form competition runs throughout the School where forms compete against each other in a number of activities, including rugby, football, dodgeball and more. It is particularly popular in the younger years, when the competition winner is crowned at the Swimming Gala…
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U12s win Ibstock Place School 7s with resounding display
By Joe Cornell Hampton U12s won the Ibstock Place School 7s with a convincing victory in the final over St. James’s School. Having recently won the Warwick School 7s tournament, the team travelled to Ibstock with confidence. This was matched with some trepidation, as the other schools in the competition were well known. However the U12s were convincing victors, playing flowing rugby with tough rucking. In the first…
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Hampton beaten in Founder’s Day Sevens final despite strong performance
By Josh Bartholomew Hampton’s 1st VII narrowly missed out on Cup victory at the Founder’s Day Sevens, falling to a strong Cranleigh side in the final of the opening tournament of the season. Hampton were placed in a challenging group, but started encouragingly, sealing a 26-14 victory over Caterham with a fine late try from…
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1st XV beat St. Benedict’s to bow out in style
By James Dowden, Magazine Editor Tries from Tommy Nagle, Louis Lynagh, Dan Finlay and Fergus McWilliams secured a 25-3 victory for Hampton in what was the final 15-a-side match for the Upper Sixth members of the team. Hampton started the game the stronger side and following immense work from the forwards, a scrum penalty was awarded…
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Late Whitgift tries help overcome U16A resistance
By Josh Bartholomew Hampton’s U16A team lost 25-14 to Whitgift despite a strong start to the match. In Saturday’s only game after all other fixtures had been cancelled due to snow, Hampton began well but fell behind when Whitgift’s winger scored in the corner. Hampton’s pressure continued, and this time they were rewarded for their efforts as scrum-half Joe Sykes sniped to score in…