Alton RFC are very proud that many of their under 15 squad are involved in the Hampshire Schools Under 15 Cup Final, next Wednesday, 4^th February.

AMERY Hill School year 10 boys' rugby team are in the Hampshire School's Cup final against King Edward XI School, Southampton, this Wednesday. They hope to return with the cup as a fitting conclusion to a memorable season. The school would welcome support at the match, at the Wellington Sports Ground in Southampton, kick off at 14.30.

After impressive victories in the National Natwest Trophy competition against St George's College, Southampton and Lord Wandsworth College at Long Sutton, near Odiham, the Alton team were narrowly beaten by The Royal Grammar School, Guildford in the third round. Dropping down into the Natwest Vase competition saw the team record a further victory against Kings School, Winchester before succumbing to St George's College, Weybridge - agonisingly losing by a single point in front of a large, supportive home crowd.

The boys are now keen to put disappointment behind them as they contest the Hampshire Cup Final, a title not won by an Amery Hill team in some time. Amery Hill sides have tended to play in plate and bowl competitions but, having shown commitment and potential in years 7, 8 and 9 the decision was made to enter the top tier cup. Their first game, away to Hampshire Cup winners, Portsmouth Grammar School saw the team combine skill and heart to produce their best performance of the season, winning 40-24. The semi- final, a home encounter with Hampshire Collegiate School, Romsey, saw the boys win 59-S in front of a large, vociferous home crowd. Amery Hill School PE teacher, Ben Dudley, who coaches the side, said: "This is a particularly committed team who this season have turned up in large numbers to train week in week out. They have been willing to extend training times, sacrificed a fair bit of pocket money to buy their new kit and always work extremely hard to improve. Their attitude is absolutely first rate. To record victories against three different public school sides this season gives an indication of the level they have managed to reach. Several of the boys are involved with the London Irish School of Rugby and UI5 Hampshire squad with more close to achieving similar recognition. We have spoken in detail about the final and the boys are under no illusions about the challenges they will face. We will take nothing for granted, as with every other game and will focus on executing our game plan to the best of our ability."