History Making Rugby & Super 7s

This week PGS Girls' Rugby made its debut in a tournament at Reigate Grammar School - this is the first ever PGS Girls' Rugby team. We also hosted our annual South Coast Sevens tournament at Hilsea Playing Fields.

Reports from both events are below.

First Ever! History Makers!
Report by Evie H, Year 12

Excitement and nerves meant the energy was high as we made our way to Reigate Grammar School for a tournament, with Mr Venter and Miss Chaplin behind the wheel. Constant chatter and lots of loud music meant we made it in no time. As we climbed out, there were girls representing schools from across the country. Mr Venter took us through our warm up and we were raring to get going.

We were definitely feeling the nerves in our first match, but a kick off from myself got us all going. Chi-Yee used her rapid speed and scored the first ever try for PGS girls in our first ever tournament. Shortly after, Milly and Willow zigzagged their way straight through the opposition and scored the 2nd and 3rd tries. Throughout the second half, huge tackles and runs were made by our team. What we lack in experience, we made up for in spirit. A Special shoutout to Amy who saved a try on the line in the last few seconds, bringing our first ever match to a conclusion with a draw!

The girls were pumped throughout the second match which was due to Milly scoring another insane try and myself getting on the scorecard in the last minute of the first half. Unfortunately, that also rallied the opposition into action, resulting in another draw to end the match.

2 matches and 2 draws meant the girls went into the 3rd match with their heads held high, But the opposition were much stronger this time, quickly getting on the board with 3 tries.  But we kept battling, and Milly got PGS on the scoreboard with 2 hard fought tries. Ella and Lucy J were amazing in the scrums! And another special mention to Lucy H for charging at a girl and taking her down. Much to the delight of our teachers!

Once again, courage and conviction meant we were a force to be reckoned with.

By our 4th match, fatigue was starting to set in, but we were determined to push on through and make our school proud. The opposition scored quickly, putting us on the back foot. But they didn’t reckon on Milly, who’s scored 2 tries to help us with the come back.

Our last 2 matches saw the strong passing and teamwork continue, with everyone giving it their all.

We ended the day covered in mud and bruises but with the biggest smiles on our faces. With just over 3 weeks of training, we’d competed in our first ever competitive rugby match; a first for girls at PGS too. We all feel so proud to be part of this historic, first team. All the girls and I would like to thank Mr Venter, Miss Chaplin, the Sports department and the Head, Mr Wickes for supporting us in this journey. Thanks also to the boys for lending us their tops!!

PGS South Coast 7s Report
by Mr Venter

On Sunday 4^th of February, we welcomed sixteen 1^st VII teams to Hilsea, a total of 190 players attended the PGS South Coast 7s Tournament, this was the 12^th season we have been able to put on this tournament and a very proud day for PGS.  

Thankfully, the weather stayed dry but we did have to endure the coastal winds. Regardless of this, all the teams arrived with great enthusiasm and energy. There were two competitions, the Shield and the Cup, both produced some tough matches with lots of excellent skills on display, and every team fought hard to top their pools. I was very proud that PGS made it into the Shield semi-final against Dauntseys. Unfortunately, this is where the PGS competition ended, but all respect to the team for making it this far and fighting till the end, showing resilience, humility and respect.  Dauntseys were then to face RGS Guildford in the final, the team to lift the Shield and win the tournament was RGS Guildford with a score of 31 – 15.

In the Cup tournament matches, all the teams produced some very competitive and fierce matches. The semi-finals between Brighton, Millfield, Epsom, and Seaford could have been finals in their own right. The outcome of these matches displayed why Brighton & Millfield are among the top rugby schools in the country, with outstanding skills and fast-paced plays. Brighton came out on top as the winners of the Cup final 24 – 14.

For these tournaments to happen and run so smoothly, there need to be a team of people to help make it work and make the day a success. Therefore, a big thank you to all PGS staff and the Referees who assisted in making the day possible and thank you to the parents who volunteered to help. Finally, thank you to all the supporters and players for helping make 2024 yet another successful South Coast 7’s tournament.

Click here to view a gallery of images from the tournament.