AMPLEFORTH College were eliminated at the final 32 stage of the 2013 Rosslyn Park HSBC National Schools Rugby Union Sevens.

After a superb display on day one of the tournament, Ampleforth captain Charles Birkett admitted it was frustrating his side were unable to maintain their momentum.

Birkett and co had only been able to play one tournament together prior to the national showpiece, mainly due to the weather, but the college qualified convincingly for the knockout stages.

Victories over Wycliffe College, Hereford Cathedral School, Trinity School, Croydon, and King Edward’s, Bath, had sent them through to the second day of competition without any trouble.

But after a 12-0 defeat to Dean Close School in the first knockout round, Birkett conceded his side lacked that cutting edge when it mattered most in what was his lastever game for Ampleforth.

“We had only had one tournament together as a group before coming to Rosslyn Park and we have really enjoyed it,” said the 18-year-old. “We did well in the group and scored 119 points and only conceded 14, which was good.

“We came on the second day and thought we had a good chance but they just played a bit more sevens than us and had more of the ball, which is always key.”

He added: “It was my last tournament and last game for Ampleforth and I have been playing for them for something like ten years, so it was quite emotional but it was good to do it with my mates.”

Over 600 teams of all levels from across the UK, as well as overseas teams, took part in the tournament, which is now in its 74th year.

The 7,500 participants aged from 13 to 18, with boys and girls taking part in the various categories.

World Cup winner Jason Robinson, an ambassador for HSBC, insisted the tournament was continuing to go from strength to strength. “This is a great competition. It is very competitive but at the same time it is all about improving as well,” he said.

• HSBC is proud to sponsor the world’s largest school rugby union tournament. All HSBC’s rugby sponsorships aim to help develop and grow the sport and ensure even more youngsters get involved with rugby.

For more information visit www.rpns7.co.uk