Back row (from left): L Tyrell, S Royle, D Thomas, S James, O Lee, S Rodman. Middle row: Mr M Bebbington, S Jafarian, E Harding (capt), T Fantom, J Walker, R Edge, O Hirskyj-Douglas, Mr R Hancock. Front row: S Emery, S Klein, S Street, M Harvey (vice-capt), O McCall, J Chappell.

Wilmslow HS resisted the challenges of The Oratory, Monmouth, Oakham, St Joseph’s and Hampton to win our award.

The highlight of the season has been a 41-0 win over former giants Ampleforth in the Daily Mail Cup. Coached by Stockport fly-half Matt Bebbington, it was the Cheshire comprehensive’s 14th consecutive win, other notable results coming against Lymm HS (17-0), RGS Lancaster (22-19), Bradford GS (34-12) and hitherto unbeaten Manchester GS (21-8).

Centre Sam James and full-back Tom Hudson each got a brace of tries against Ampleforth, fly-half Ollie McCall producing his usual commanding display in adding a try and three conversions. Scrum-half Will Batterbury and wing Sam Jafarian scored the other Wilmslow tries.

The versatility of gifted sportsman Ethan Harding – equally comfortable at openside or outside-centre – has served the side well. He took over from elected skipper Toby Rowe, who was injured in a warm-up match, and led the side in all their 14 wins.

Loosehead Max Harvey led an athletic and mobile pack with great gusto, and quick ball was exploited by leading point-scorer McCall. His vision and tactical awareness have provided a launch pad for the talented backs outside him, including wing Ant Walker – leading try-scorer with 12 – and centre James.

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