In 2001, the 1stxv got to the National Daily Mail Cup Final at Twickenham, over 550 schools entered the competition. It was Durham School’s first time in the final having previously lost in the semi-final three times in the late 1990s. Unfortunately, they lost 18-0 but the day could have maybe been so different if a try that we scored by Jason Smithson just before half-time had been allowed, the video evidence shows that he did ground the ball!

They got to the final again five years later in 2006. Mr Gordon Muchall, who went on tour with the England U19 cricket to India the following year and scored 254 not out, was fly half that day. Mr Paul Gerrard was the 1stxv coach. They are both at school still today, Gordon is the Head of Games down at Bow School and Paul is now Assistant Head at the Senior School.

Here is a photo of Mr Gerrard and Mr Muchall wearing their shirts that were specially produced for the final 20 years ago. The green and white colours fit perfectly with our Giving Day colours which are Langley theme.

There is only 11 hours left for you to get involved with our Giving Day: https://givingday.durhamschool.co.uk/