Bishop of Hereford Bluecoat School’s squad provided an fitting farewell for organiser John Escott by winning the Under 14 section of Herefordshire Schools Rugby Union’s 45th Annual Invitation Sevens Tournament at Minster College, Leominster and Luctonians.

Escott, who was head of sport at Bishop’s for many years and first entered a team from the school in the tournament in 1965, has decided to retire from running the event he has organised for the past 20 years.

“It’s a nice round figure to finish on,” he said. “I’ve got some wonderful memories of the tournament. The best game I ever saw here, or in any sevens competition, was an Under 18 semi-final between Bassaleg, who had Stuart Barnes - later of Bath and England - at fly half, and Llandovery, who had Aled Williams - later of Swansea and Wales - as their fly half.”

Bishop’s provided one of the tournament highlights by winning their final against Dwr-y-Felin 42-0, after seeing off Surrey sides Reigate 28-7 and Wimbledon 35-0 in the semi-final and quarter-final. In the Under 16 section Hereford Cathedral School and Bishop’s bowed out to Cwm Rhymni and eventual winners Gwyr respectively. Gwyr, from Gowerton near Swansea, went on to beat Plymouth College in their semi-final, before beating Bromsgrove School 36-12 in the final.

Millfield’s registered their 13th consecutive sevens win in the Under 18 tournament, seeing off Strade, from Llanelli, by 46-0 in the final, having scored 31-0 over another Llanelli school, Coleg Sir Gar, in the quarter-final and beating Whitchurch 43-0 in the semi-final.