Hans Price celebrates historic national title

Hans Price Academy’s Year 9 and 10 mixed touch rugby team have made history after securing the Academy’s first-ever national title at the Touch Rugby National Championships at Oxford Harlequins RFC.

The team earned their place in the national finals in May after successfully coming through the regional qualifying competition at Old Reigatians RFC in Surrey.

They continued their impressive run at the national championships, topping their group with a 7–3 victory over Furze Platt Senior School from Berkshire, followed by a 5–2 win against Alderman White School from Nottinghamshire.

In the semi-final, Hans Price produced another commanding performance, defeating Egglescliffe School from County Durham 5–1 to book their place in the national final.

The final against Caterham School from Surrey proved to be a dramatic contest. Hans Price found themselves 2–0 down at half-time but showed tremendous resilience to fight their way back into the match.

A superb set-play involving captain Imogen Caunter, Preslav Zahirev and Davids Melgailis released Woody Maloney, who finished in the corner. Alex Webster then produced a quickfire hat-trick, with Alfie Dando providing the assists, forcing the game into an extra-time drop-off.

Two further assists from Cameron Johnson saw Webster cross for two more tries, completing a remarkable comeback and securing a historic 6–5 victory for Hans Price Academy.

The Academy also came agonisingly close to claiming a second national title in the Year 7 and 8 mixed division. Leading Harrodian School from London in the final minute, the team were eventually defeated 4–3 in extra time.

Assistant Principal at Hans Price Academy, Steve Holland, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for our students and a hugely proud moment for the Academy.

“To win our first-ever national title is something that will live long in the memory, but what impressed us most was the determination, teamwork and resilience the players showed throughout the competition.

“Coming back from 2–0 down in a national final and winning in extra time demonstrates the character of this group. We are incredibly proud of every player who represented Hans Price Academy.”

Hans Price Academy would like to thank NK Sports and Zest Mortgages for their support throughout the campaign.