MALVERN’S Chase Technology College won the Army West Midlands School Sevens at Stourbridge’s Stourton Park ground.

They beat Worcester’s Christopher Whitehead Language College four tries to nil in an entertaining final.

It was the culmination of a busy term of sevens rugby in schools across the North Midlands, Warwickshire and Staffordshire.

The event involved more than 1,000 boys and girls aged under 16 in a series of regional qualifying tournaments to produce the finalists.

The Chase had to come from behind to book their place in the final.

They trailed Ludlow School, coached by former Scotland ‘A’ international Stewart Jardine, two tries to one before they scored twice in the dying minutes to snatch a 3-2 win.

Christopher Whitehead booked their place in the final by beating Sumerhill, one of the Birmingham and Black Country qualifiers, 3-1 in their semi-final.

The Chase opened up a 2-0 lead by half-time in the final and pulled clear to secure the trophy.

It was presented by Worcester Warriors’ hooker Chris Fortey and Colonel James Denning, Chief of Staff of the Army’s Fifth Division, based in Shrewsbury.

Wellington’s Charlton School won the girls’ tag sevens title by edging out Shropshire rivals Church Stretton School with a golden try in extra-time. The scores were level 4-4 at the end of proper time.

Church Stretton School beat Martley’s Chantry High School 8-6 in their semi-final.

For the first time, the finals day including a girls’ contact sevens tournament which involved four schools in a round-robin event.

Worcester’s Nunnery Wood High School topped the table followed by The Chase, Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College and John Taylor School from Burton. The seventh year of the competition continued a successful partnership between the Army and the Rugby Football Union in the area.

Major Ken Kennedy, event co-ordinator, said: “Sport plays an integral part in Army training and there are plenty of opportunities for those serving to participate.

“Rugby is one of the most popular sports played and our teams compete at all levels from teams representing their units and regiment right up to the national Army squad.”

For further information on sports in the British Army, contact 0845-7300111 or visit www.armyjobs.mod.uk.