"I'm delighted I sent my sons to Habs. It offers much choice and has certainly inspired them to achieve their full potential."
	Dr Sussan Nourshargh, Professor of Pharmacology, Barts.

Under 14 Rugby team win the Middlesex Cup

Middlesex U14 County Cup Final:
Hampton School 17 v Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' School 22

The U14 Rugby squad travelled to Hampton School on the 17th December to compete in the Middlesex County Cup Final. The game had already been rescheduled once due to a waterlogged pitch. On arrival, the boys were met with a snow storm and a biting wind as they attempted to warm up. The warm up was interrupted and when play did finally get under way it looked as though the boys may have been under prepared. They were forced to defend their tryline for a large part of the early skirmishes, but they did so effectively and kept a strong Hampton side at bay.

Confidence grew and Habs began to gain more possession as the forwards particularly became more effective at the breakdown. After a number of phases of play their patience reaped reward with Ben Lewry finding space to cross for the first score of the game. Josh Goldstein converted to add the extra points.

The game followed a similarly ferocious pattern with both sides throwing themselves into the contact areas. Another try from Josh Goldstein put Habs further in front until Hampton replied with seven points just before half time.

With the freezing sleet and wind now driving into their faces it became clear that a huge effort was going to be required in the second half. Having escaped from another period of sustained pressure the forwards kept the ball close and continually crashed the ball up field. Having broken through a number of tackles the ball eventually came to Mohammed Abbas who carried a couple of defenders over the line to score. Goldstein converted to make the score 19-7 to Habs.

Hampton rallied again and despite some very brave tackling were able to score two unconverted tries as the game entered its final stages. With just two points in it, Habs won a penalty. Josh Goldstein stepped up to coolly convert in what turned out to be the last kick of the game. Wild celebrations ensued, with coach Dan Kerry somehow managing to stay on his feet despite being mobbed by the entire squad.

This is the first time that Habs have won the County Cup at this age group, and this proved to be a fitting conclusion to a much improved rugby season for the school. We now turn our attention to the rugby sevens season where our boys will test themselves against some of the best rugby schools in the country.