Back row (l-r): Mr S Howard (master i/c rugby), J Reason, D Wroe-Wright, P Stuff, D Fraser, M Osinibi, J Vallance, J Whiteford, A Bray, S Ofosu, H Austin, Mr S Thomas. Front row: F Pearce, S Holland, T Johnson, G John, D Beese (capt), T O’Flaherty, E Parsons, T Rosier, C Hablutzen.

Dulwich College fended off Tregib CS, Edinburgh Academy, Stamford, Mount St Mary’s and Aylesbury GS to clinch the prize of a framed Team of the Month photo and 22 training tops.

It was the London school’s first such award since 2004, when the XV was led by future England Saxons prop Tom Mercey.

After a nine-game unbeaten run, including a defeat of Wellington College, they won the St Joseph’s College National Schools Festival under No 8 Anthony Bray, who took over the captaincy from the injured Dan Beese.

The 11-7 win over Filton College was notable in that a school side outgunned an AASE college full of potential pro players. Dulwich had hardly put a foot wrong all weekend and they produced yet another inspired performance against Filton to win their first St Joseph’s title. Coach Sam Howard said: “We pride ourselves on defence and discipline – no real superstars but a side with a great team ethic and a desire to win.”

That said, the role of Bray has been crucial, Dom Wroe-Wright has been terrific at openside, Tom O’Flaherty has proved a clever scrum-half and props Beno Obano and Jeremy Reason have been prominent ball-carriers.

Top scorers are wing James Whiteford and centre Dom Fraser.

Click here to see September’s School Team of the Month

This article appeared in the January 2012 issue of Rugby World Magazine.

Find a newsagent that sells Rugby World in the UK. Or you may prefer the digital edition on your MAC, PC, or iPad.

Would you like to sign up to Rugby World’s excellent weekly email newsletter? Click here.

For Back Issues Contact John Denton Services at 01733-385-170