National Champions
8 April 2022
The Stowe 1st XV put on a wonderful display of cohesion, skill, and power, playing against Kings College School, Wimbledon in the final of the National Schools Plate competition at the home of Saracens Rugby, The StoneX Stadium, on the bright afternoon of Tuesday 15 March.
The team was full of confidence, having won the Semi-Final against Stockport Grammar School 41-0 on the North Front. They did however give the 250 excited travelling Stoic supporters a bit of a scare when they conceded a try early in the match.
Stowe responded with a well-worked try thanks to a wide pass from fly-half Ewan Baker (Lower Sixth, Chatham) to send full-back Harvey Poole (Fifth Form, Winton) over in the corner. They then took the lead ten minutes later with a pick-and-go effort from Henry Pollock (Lower Sixth, Grafton) who was crashing over again a few minutes later to see Stowe take a well-deserved 17-10 lead into the break.
There was a stark contrast in attacking styles between the sides, as Stowe looked to keep the ball alive and attack at every opportunity which allowed No.8 William Plessis (Lower Sixth, Grenville) to score from close range early in the second half to extend Stowe’s lead.
KCS Wimbledon replied with a wellworked set-piece try to keep them in touch. Stowe continued to play the more expansive and entertaining rugby and another sweeping counter-attack from Stowe saw lock Henri Burditt (Lower Sixth, Walpole) power his way over to extend Stowe’s lead to 29-22.
KCS Wimbledon had to throw the ball around as they searched for an equalising try and they got to within five meters of the Stowe line before ‘Man of the Match’ Henry Pollock won a crucial turnover and popped the ball to winger Joe Atkinson (Lower Sixth, Grafton) who showed jawdropping pace and sprinted 80m down the touchline for the final score of the match, as Stowe recorded a fabulous 36- 22 victory to lift the trophy.
Huge congratulations go to all the squad, and coaches, for this fantastic and successful Plate journey. Well done also to all those who supported the team at the Final, the Stoics excellent behaviour and positive contribution made this a memorable day for Stowe.