ENGLAND might well be facing Wales at Twickenham tomorrow, but for the boys of St Peter's School, York, the real action will kick-off at 1.45pm on Sunday.

An amazing 20-match victorious run has earned the boys the right to run out on the hallowed turf of Twickenham - with the final of the Daily Mail Schools Rugby Under-15s Cup the highlight.

But despite the glare of the media spotlight and the obvious nerves that come with such an occasion, the 22-strong squad will remain entirely focused on one thing - beating Wakefield-based Outwood Grange School.

The fact the boys are remaining so calm about the game is a feat in itself - I will just be reporting on it and cannot stop the butterflies - but even through the filming of their training sessions and the flash of the cameras they have stuck to the task at hand.

And they know, win, lose or draw, not one thing will take away from them what they have achieved to fulfil the dream of rugby union fans across the country.

"The atmosphere at the school is very special this week," said St Peter's director of sport Mike Johnson. "Everyone is excited, from the domestic staff right through.

"The lads, though, have remained entirely focused and are concentrating hard on the match. They know that to fully enjoy the match and the occasion, they have to play within their emotions.

"They realise that it is a special week for them, but it has helped talking to the likes of Tony Stanger, someone who has been there at the highest level.

"We've also had Andy Smith come in from the college and speak to the lads about mental preparation."

The side will travel down today, have a light training session tomorrow morning before going to watch the international.

After an early night, the boys will have a light work-out before travelling to Twickenham on Sunday in time to soak up the atmosphere of the first game.

And cheering them on will be four coach-loads from the school, as well as supporters and former pupils from across the country.

The boys have also received a number of messages of good luck from individuals - including a signed message and picture from England's kicking sensation Jonny Wilkinson - and schools in the surrounding area, as well as the teams they have beaten on the way to meeting Outwood Grange.

However, they are unlikely to get the same support from the Wakefield-based school that they got in the semi-final.

In a superb piece of sportsmanship the rival set of players cheered each other on in a bid to set up an all-Yorkshire final.

And in that 80-minute period, Johnson, coach Maurice Montieth and the boys saw enough of Outwood to give them an insight into how they play.

"We saw them play in the semi-final so we know exactly what to expect from them on Sunday," said Johnson. "I just hope that we see two teams go out and have a good, closely-fought entertaining game.

"But there is no doubt that I would love us to go on and win it."

And winning it is something that is a distinct possibility for a side that has won all 20 of its matches this season - scoring 122 tries (783 points) and conceding just nine (71pts). But come what may, the boys will be treated to a special celebration when they return to school.

"We will hold a party for the boys for their achievements," added Johnson. "Whatever happens we will celebrate what has been a magnificent season."

But the icing on any cake and the extra fizz in any drinks will come with a trophy to parade.

Updated: 11:33 Friday, March 22, 2002