POCKLINGTON School’s Under-15s rugby union team have reached the final of the inaugural NatWest Bowl national competition.

Pocklington secured their place after a 24-0 semi-final victory over King’s Priory School, Tynemouth, at Percy Park RUFC.

There is an annual NatWest Cup (tier 1), Plate (2), Vase (3) and Bowl (4), with the Bowl comprising the teams who lose in the first round of the Vase.

To march through the competition, Pocklington have defeated Wolfreton, Richmond, Millthorpe, Birkdale and Clevedon schools, scoring 199 points and conceding 41.

They will face Beth’s Grammar School, from Bexley, London, in the final.

The run of form has marked a notable turnaround for the school after the team won only two games the previous season.

Elite director of U15 rugby Gareth Hughes said: “When we began working with this group in September we quickly established the basic fact the team had talent but they had not been performing.

"We decided to focus on team culture as a priority. The players established their own code of conduct. We have held performance feedback meetings and expected the pupils to self-analyse. Applying a set of principles which enable individuals to critique yet grow, learn and share and – most importantly – to put the players in charge of their destiny was crucial.

"It was also important to have fun and enjoy the game again.

"We are lucky to have a super coaching team – most notably the inspirational U15s head coach and school’s strength and conditioning lead, Jonathan Wheeler.”

Wheeler said: “This has been a massive journey for the boys. They did not believe in themselves but now it is a side who exude a steely confidence and will to win.

"They are fit and strong but it is their togetherness that always impresses me.

"Culture is paramount as is grit and resilience. When this is combined with work ethic and as much personalised coaching as can be established in a school environment then it underlines what can be achieved when you buy into a process.

"This team have written a new chapter in their rugby and school life. They should be immensely proud.”

The final is on Tuesday, March 28, at Sixways Stadium, home of Worcester Warriors and will be streamed live on rfu.com.

Meanwhile, St Olave’s School, York, beat 15 other teams from across Yorkshire and the North East to win their independent schools U12s rugby sevens tournament.

St Olave’s hosted the event and kept the trophy on site. Bradford Grammar School, Hymers College and Pocklington School also earned silverware.

Nathan Savage, head of sport at St Olave’s, said: “Every player has done their school proud.”

The schools taking part were Ashville College, Barnard Castle, Birkdale, Bradford Grammar, Durham, Easingwold, Giggleswick, Hill House, Hymers College, Pocklington, Queen Elizabeth Grammar of Wakefield, Royal Grammar of Newcastle, St Olave’s, Terrington Hall, Woodhouse Grove and Yarm.