Unfortunately the boys were unable to make a final once again this year. After two tough matches against the touring Chinese school (16-10) and then Stowe (9-6), we were to play the hosts, Wellington straight after the second.

Fatigue did not really play a part, moreso our inability to make free-throws and open lay-ups which had plagued our first two fixtures. As with all tournament play a single score can be hugely influential as there is so little time to make amends. This was the exact case and principle with Wellington as they scored a contested three pointer with 30 seconds left to give them a one point lead. We endeavoured to force a turnover but this left us exposed and they sealed the win with a final basket(11-15).

We went on to win our final pool match in a double overtime thriller (18-13) over a much improved Eton side. With 6 boys from Yr12 and Matthieu Rident from Yr11 the experience will have done them the world of good.

LRD