Senior Academy coach Mark Hopley has congratulated the Northampton School for Boys Under-18s team for their win in the NatWest Schools Vase at Twickenham.
NSB beat off Altrincham’s St Ambrose College 17-12 to bring home the silverware, man of the match Connor Tupai landing a late drop goal to give his team some breathing space ahead of a tense few minutes defending on their own line.
The win comes three years after NSB were pipped in the final of the Under-18 Schools Cup competition, and a few days after former pupil Zac Forskitt lost his battle with cancer. The team wore #BacZac beanie hats at their pre-match photocall on Tuesday, with Zac’s name also being shown on the LED boards at Twickenham before the game.
“Everyone in the Academy and at the club is delighted for the NSB team,” Hopley said. “They’ve played a lot of rugby to get to Twickenham, and after being disappointed a couple of years ago it’s great to see them come home with the silverware this time.
“They deserve plenty of praise for the way they performed and the character they showed, especially in an emotional week and during a tense final few minutes! Congratulations to all the players and coaches.”
