Newman College successfully navigated a ‘rollercoaster’ Continental Tyres Schools Cup final, according to director of rugby Wes Horscroft.

The Hove based side emerged 15-7 in a low-scoring yet thrilling under-18s Plate final against Uppingham School at Saracens’ StoneX Stadium.

Horscroft hailed his players for digging deep before using their superior size and weight to power away from a determined Uppingham side.

“It was a bit of a rollercoaster, they had us on the ropes for a lot of the second half and we made it a bit difficult for ourselves by giving away lots of penalties,” he said.

“I think it was a case of our forwards against their backs, they played wide, really lively and we had to work hard in defence and our forwards, whenever they got going, caused big problems for them.

“The game opened up a little bit for us and we worked really hard in defence to keep them out, some really big defensive sets and somehow the game opened up and we went through for two scores.

“They kept us off the line two or three times so well played to them because it made for one hell of a game.”

Uppingham hit the front through flanker Alex Worn but were pegged back early in the second period.

The game was on a knife edge from there but a quickfire double from full-back Will Varley put the game beyond Uppingham’s reach.

“We lost at Harrow in the first game of the Cup and I believe we’re the team that has come closest to Harrow this year,” said Horscroft, ahead of Harrow’s Continental Tyres Schools Cup final clash against Kirkham Grammar School at Twickenham Stadium.

“Which with how well they’re doing, reflects really well on us.

“Then we were into the Plate and it’s just fantastic that you can lose a game and the RFU still puts something on for you where you have the chance to go and achieve something special.

“So a big thank you to them for letting us have that opportunity.”

The Continental Tyres Schools Cup is an important part of the age-grade rugby landscape in England, with schools’ rugby often where players fall in love with the game for the first time. For more information visit the Continental Tyres Schools Cup section of the England Rugby Website