College boys follow in footsteps of Dallaglio

ELIZABETH COLLEGE are off to the world's largest rugby tournament next week. The Nick Jones-coached outfit will be the first school team from the Channel Islands to take part in the Wooden Spoon National Schools Sevens tournament at Rosslyn Park.

It first took place in 1939 and this year 7,000 boys and girls are due to take part in six different sections.

'This is a great opportunity for our lads to play against some of the best rugby players in the country,' said Jones.

'It is a learning experience for us as the first team from the Channel Islands to take part, but I am sure we will be able to spring a few surprises on some of the schools with greater rugby traditions.'

They have been drawn in the same group as Eastbourne, King's Ely, Finchley High and St Peter's, York, who are favourites to progress further.

The Elizabethans are fielding their strongest side in recent times, led by captain Philip Grimes, who is in his third year in the team.

The outstanding Tom Zierer has also been selected and the Year 11 pupil will be one of the youngest players in the tournament.

Another player to look out for is David Davison, who has been the team's top try scorer this season.

Lawrence Dallaglio played in the tournament when he was a student at Ampleforth College and Jones hopes that his team are as inspired by the competition as the England and Wasps number eight was.

'Some of our team may well be playing for Guernsey in the not-too-distant future and this will be valuable experience for them,' he said.

Squad: Philip Grimes (capt.), Martin Hepworth, Huw Bisson, Will Le Lievre, David Davidson, Andrew Rigden, Tom Lycett, Harry Parkin, Alex Ward and Tom Zierer.