DIRECTOR of rugby Andrew Le Chevalier insisted Felsted's rugby teams still felt like winners, despite two narrow defeats on the hallowed turf of Twickenham.
The Essex school made history by getting both their U15 and U18 sides in the final of the Daily Mail Vase, and they both featured at the famous venue on March 23.
A bitter wind and constant snow flurries made for highly unfavourable playing conditions for all teams on the day – and it was double disappointment for Felsted as both sides just came up short.
The U15s were beaten 19-13 by Royal Latin after a last-minute try, while the U18s were left heartbroken by a 17-15 defeat to Yarm – especially after having a late try of their own chalked off.
James Lennon gave the U15s a good start with a simple penalty, but Sam Burgin put Royal Latin in front with a try in the corner.
But Felsted hit back with tries from Matthew Lumb and captain Stefan Warner to regain the lead.
A try from Elliot Pittwood made it 13-12, and then, with time ticking down, the Buckinghamshire side grabbed another try despite a strong effort from the Felsted defence, and the conversion gave Royal Latin the trophy.
The U18s started like a train and raced into a 10-0 lead thanks to tries from captain Charlie Kingham and winger Joshua Hunter-Jordan.
But Yarm hit back through Zach Kibiridge and Conor Hartigan, only for Will Malins to put Felsted back in front.
With time running out, fly-half Will Guthrie side-stepped through and ran in to score – and he converted it to give his side a vital two-point advantage.
Felsted refused to give up and thought they had won it when Charlie Wood touched down in the corner after collecting a cross-field kick, but the officials said he had gone into touch, and Yarm held on to win.
Le Chavalier said: "It still feels like a victory to me coming from a 530-pupil co-education and one-term rugby school, with 25 of our 44 players having come through from our preparatory school.
"The boys played with such heart and are a true band of brothers. We got to Twickenham, made memories and galvanised a community of friends and families along the way.
"I'd like to thank masters Charlie Knightley, Richard Feldman and Francis Barrett for all their time and commitment on top of their demanding teaching schedules.
"Thanks also go to all the individual players. It's not just a 15-man game and every player is as important as the next.
"I'd like to celebrate how far we have come, and here's to next season."
