King William’s College’s under-15s rugby team capped off a successful season by winning the Isle of Man Schools final against QEII recently.

This followed the triumphs of their under-14 team earlier in the term. KWC’s u15s finished the season with a 100 percent winning record on-island, conceding only one try across all matches.

Their outstanding defensive efforts were matched with a number of impressive and free-flowing tries and the final was to be no different. An impressive set-piece laid the foundations for some fantastic backline plays.

The handling and offloading skills on display were a real trademark of the College performance, but credit must also go to the attitude of the QEII players who remained committed and resolute throughout.

Jacob Douglas was a constant thorn in the side of the QEII defence, breaking the gain line with every carry. James Gale and Ian Larson dominated the breakdown battle, while Ellis Dunn and Max Barnes showed some fantastic decision-making.

KWC were clinical in attack and this was aided by the athleticism of George Hotchkiss and distribution of captain Leo Williamson.

Freddie O’Donoghue was the standout player for QEII following his introduction from the bench, but the College line speed and tenacity in defence ensured that he was unable to score with any of his trademark jinking runs.

The previous week, KWC had been playing in round four of the National NatWest Vase Competition in England.

But their progress to the last-16 was thwarted in the final play of the game after conceding a penalty in front of the posts, which was converted by the King Edward VI Morpeth fly half.

The score line of 18-17 was a tough pill to swallow, but the experience of playing in such a high stakes and competitive match will stand them in good stead for the future.

The players should take great confidence from the fact that they managed to compete against a much bigger school, both physically and in terms of pupil numbers (150 boys per year group).

Thanks go to Southern Nomads RUFC for hosting the schools final, as well as to the referee Mr McNally and all who supported at a cold but sunny Field of Dreams.