Cheltenham College Maintains Perfect Start in SOCS Daily Mail Schools Trophy

Cheltenham College has emerged as a strong contender in the SOCS Daily Mail Schools Trophy, maintaining a perfect record with four consecutive wins to start the season. The team secured early silverware by defeating the host school, Ipswich, 17-0 in the final of the prestigious St. Joseph's tournament.

Under the coaching guidance of former England full-back Olly Morgan, Cheltenham has steadily improved its rugby program. The squad's early successes include a close 25-24 victory over former champions Wellington College, preceded by decisive wins against St Edward’s (63-0), Bromsgrove (61-5), and Blundell’s (21-12).

Currently, Cheltenham sits in fifth place in the competition standings, trailing leaders Clifton, Haberdashers’ Monmouth, Radley, and RGS Guildford. The team is preparing for a challenging November schedule that includes fixtures against Millfield, Haberdashers’ Monmouth, and a local derby against Sir Thomas Rich’s at Kingsholm on November 19.

Morgan, who himself was named player of the tournament while playing for Millfield at the St. Joseph's festival, sees center Phil Mow follow in his footsteps. Mow was named player of the tournament this year, having returned from injury to become a consistent force for Cheltenham. He was joined in the team of the tournament by teammates prop Mighael Meyer, No. 8 Harry Haigh, fly-half Zach Nicholson, and center Jack Evans.

Cheltenham's victory over Wellington marked their first-ever win against the historic rivals. Wellington, who also suffered a narrow 25-24 loss to Whitgift, will have an opportunity to impact the title race when they face league leaders Clifton College after the half-term break on November 7.

Clifton College currently leads the table with an unbeaten five-match streak, including significant wins against Harrow (38-7) and Sedbergh (24-5). They also defeated Taunton 42-17 in the annual Ryan Bresnahan Memorial Match. Second-placed Haberdashers’ Monmouth has also achieved five wins from five matches and is scheduled to face Cheltenham and Sir Thomas Rich’s in November following a tour to South Africa. Radley holds third place with five wins, having defeated former champions Cranleigh and Harrow. RGS Guildford, in fourth, boasts a perfect six-win record, with notable victories over St. Paul's and Epsom.

The Daily Mail Schools Trophy involves over 150 teams and is contested throughout the autumn term on a merit table basis. The competition is run in partnership with SOCS.