Foundation News
13 December
King’s Reclaims Modus Cup Title 2023
There was great excitement this weekend as King’s reclaimed the Modus Challenge Cup at a packed Sixways Stadium, following a convincing 34-8 win against RGS Worcester.
The King’s 1st XV rugby team provided a most impressive display of rugby talent in their fearless commitment to this year’s annual local derby, with Franceso C scoring a hat-trick of tries and further scores from Sam E, Will D and Ollie R.
After an early penalty score by RGS in the first-half, King’s fought back brilliantly, adding pressure and well and truly taking control of the game, with four tries scored before the half-time whistle. Will D scored first after a dominating maul, followed closely by Fran C’s scramble over the line in the corner. After King’s worked the overlap most impressively, Sam E followed suit, and Fran C then scored his second try, making it four for King’s and a 22-3 lead going into the half-time break.
Heading into the second-half, King’s came out just as strongly, camping on the RGS try-line with eager focus and determination to score another try, which was successfully delivered by Fran C at close-range. RGS came back with pressure and secured their second, but King’s again fought back, and replacement Alex D scored King’s sixth try, thereby securing victory for King’s.
Foundation Director of Sport and 1st XV coach, Jonny Mason was elated with the result, commenting, “For both the 1st XV and 2nd XV to perform in the manner they did over the weekend was testament to the time and effort the boys have put into this term’s rugby programme. While not surprised, I was particularly impressed that both teams put in such dominant performances in these high-profile local derbies, when the pressure to deliver their very best is so great.”
Team Captain, Prop Archie M, added, “The King’s campus has been buzzing this week following the game on Sunday. We will all take great pride in returning The Modus Cup Trophy to the cabinet, following short trips to our two Prep Schools. I’m so proud to have led such a close, well-formed team. We’ve come a long way, competing at high level both nationally and regionally, and it has been a pleasure to play with the team and grow together. Many thanks too the coaching staff and supporters who came to watch the game.”
Headmaster Gareth Doodes was equally ecstatic with the results from last weekend, “Our two senior teams have done us proud. It was fantastic to see such exceptional displays of sporting athleticism and teamwork at both games. Equally, it was a pleasure to join the supporters from both schools in a spirit of friendly rivalry. A huge thank you to all those who joined us.”
Our entire community couldn’t be prouder of your achievements. and, indeed, those of everyone who played in the last block fixture of the main rugby season, which looked rather different this time, being the annual fixture against our nearest local rivals. And what a finish it was: across the five senior games, King’s were undefeated, scoring an impressive 25 tries, and conceding just four. This was a brilliant display and demonstrates the strength of King’s rugby this year.
View our Modus Cup 2023 highlights below.
If you were unable to make the exciting fixture or would simply like to watch it again, you can view the full game here.
The full set of photographs (Credit: Chris Ham Photography) from the game can be viewed here on Firefly.
