BROMSGROVE School had a day to remember at Twickenham as their u18’s side beat Dulwich College to win NatWest Schools Under 18 Cup for the first time.
Dulwich were defending champions having won the English school’s premier knock-out competition for the last three years and had been unbeaten in their previous 33 matches.
But Bromsgrove, who were backed by more than 1,000 supporters, including pupils, staff and parents, were determined to upset their opponents and got their rewards.
Dulwich were leading 18-13. but two tries in five minutes from wing Cooper Bent and Blake Edwards turned the match on its head.
Luke White converted both to round off an impressive performance in the number ten jersey and completed a sensational performance from Bromsgrove.
Once the teams overcame their early nerves Bromsgrove dominated the first 15 minutes and deservedly led 10-0 as Beck Cutting crashed over.
White converted the try and then added that penalty before Dulwich had enjoyed any period of dominance.
Dulwich needed a pick up and that was delivered by the way flanker Tom Watling tore into the re-start following the penalty by White. His charge won possession and gave Dulwich their first chance to set up shop in the Bromsgrove 22 and the pressure led to Waugh breaking through to score. The fly half added the extras before succeeding with his next kick to draw level at 10-10.
White put his side back in front, but at the start of the second period Dulwich upped the pace and soon secured the lead for the first time in the match.
Waugh levelled matters with a penalty before driving maul off a line-out saw Luke Bliss emerge from a pile of bodies as the scorer which gave Dulwich a 18-13 advantage.
Bromsgrove were suddenly behind, but accurate kicking by White helped them fightback. He kicked a third penalty before catching out the Dulwich defence through a cross kick which landed in the arms of Bent.
To complete White’s purple patch he added the conversion from near the touchline to put his team 23-18 ahead.
Dulwich tried to mount a comeback but each time they were rebuffed by Bromsgrove’s good defence and counter-attacking panache which brought the final try for Edwards.
The substitute back left the Dulwich defence trailing as he raced 20 metres to score, with White converting to complete a match haul of 15 points.
