Last updated at 20:34, Friday, 05 March 2010

TWO Tynedale youngsters have booked their places to play on the most famous rugby pitch in the world.

Prop Saimon Mills from Hexham and Mickley’s David Watchorn at flanker , were both members of the Newcastle Royal Grammar School XV which defeated Stowe School on Saturday, to win a place in the national final of the Daily Mail U18 Cup at Twickenham on March 31.

The pair have been training for the big moment all season.

David, an experienced player with Tynedale, only joined the RGS last September, quickly making himself indispensable to the team.

RGS team coach Andy Watt said: “Our opponents in the final, Whitgift School (Croydon), are favourites to win, and are a very strong team with four international players in the squad.

“But we're strong, fit and very confident.

“ In the last few rounds, other teams have found us impossible to stop: we've shown great commitment and belief as a team.

“Sometimes it’s good to go in as the underdogs. We think we can bring back the trophy.”

The school certainly believes it, and is booking a fleet of coaches to go down to Twickenham on March 31 so that the players aren't short of support.

RGS headmaster Dr Bernard Trafford said: “ Hard work, training and dedication over years bring about this success. We're very, very proud of these youngsters.'

First published at 09:46, Friday, 05 March 2010
Published by http://www.hexhamcourant.co.uk