Barnard Castle School is set to feature prominently in the SOCS Daily Mail Schools Trophy, with four of its upcoming matches scheduled to be screened live throughout November. The school, historically known for nurturing talent that has reached international stages, will host St Peter’s York in the first televised match following the half-term break.
Director of rugby Joe Cain expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, calling it a "cracking match" and a valuable opportunity to showcase the school's rugby program. Barnard Castle has achieved three victories in three matches this season, defeating Woodhouse Grove, Scarborough College, and Lancaster RGS. Their performance at the Merchiston Castle tournament, where they beat Dulwich, Mill Hill, and the previous year's Trophy champions Northampton School for Boys before losing in the final, was a notable highlight.
The team is captained by flanker Harry Cass. Among its key players are prop Sonny Hopper and scrum-half Josh Dickson, both England Under-17 representatives. Dickson follows in the footsteps of his father, with former England scrum-half Lee Dickson, who also has ties to Barnard Castle, now coaching at Newcastle Red Bulls.
In addition to the Barnard Castle vs. St Peter’s York fixture, two other matches are slated for broadcast next week: Denstone College against Gresham’s on Wednesday, followed by Blundell’s versus Clifton on Saturday, November 14.
Clifton, winners of the 2024 Trophy, are demonstrating strong form and are contenders for another title, having defeated former champions Harrow and Sedbergh. They are also scheduled to play Wellington.
League leaders Haberdashers’ Monmouth will host Solihull this Saturday. They are followed by unbeaten Cheltenham College, winners of the annual St Joseph’s competition. Monmouth expects Elliot Young to return to play after representing Ireland Clubs under-18s, alongside Brighton College hooker Isaac Finn and Dulwich flanker Sean Smyth.
Richie Rees, Monmouth’s director of sport, anticipates November’s challenging schedule will provide a clear indication of his squad's capabilities. Third-placed Radley will play Abingdon, while fourth-placed RGS Guildford, the only team with six wins this season, will host Reed’s. RGS Guildford faces a demanding schedule with five more Trophy games before the competition concludes next month.
Marlborough College, currently in ninth place and also unbeaten, boasts an extensive rugby program with 17 teams across all age groups and a growing girls' section. Led by Bath academy hooker Doug Lemon, Marlborough has secured victories against Sherborne, Churcher’s, and Dean Close.
The Daily Mail Schools Trophy, which features approximately 150 teams, operates on a merit table system throughout the autumn term. The competition is run in partnership with SOCS.