By Community Correspondent Callum Fraser. After all the usual banter, the betting, the massive emphasis put on the game by both team coaches, Tiffin School of Kingston and Hampton School (of Hampton) squared up to each other on the 3rd of Febuary on a wet and windy afternoon, and as usual the intensity and passion of the matches did not disappoint. As usual, neither team was willing to lose.

The rivalry between the schools can be traced back to the founding of Grists, the Tiffin rugby grounds, based near to Hampton Court Palace and from this moment a local rivalry was established due to the fact that the Hampton School is situated 10 minutes away. Since this time in the early 20th century, both schools have acquired and maintained both a respected academic reputation as well as a fearsome one on the rugby pitch. It has become a tradition for Hampton to face Tiffin as the last game of the rugby union season, and this year was no exception- the matches would draw conclusions to exhausting seasons for both schools. This year again was shaping up to be a fierce contest, as the U16A team played at Hampton School, and it was definitely going to be a game for Tiffin to prove themselves, after an under strength side had been thrashed 2 years previously by a rampant Hampton side. However, after vast improvements and changes being made to the core of the Tiffin squad in the two years in between the contests, only a fool would bet on the Kingston based school being disposed of so simply again, and it would be safe to say that some of the Tiffin players fancied their chances as the fixture drew closer.

“We have massively improved in the two years since that embarrassment, and after a positive season most players are massively fired up for it” said Captain George Taylor. “Also, looking at Hampton’s results they haven’t had a great season, and this is our last game together as a year group before making the step up to the 1st and 2nd teams”.

Sadly, it was not to be for Tiffin, and in a closely fought game in which both teams played glitches of good rugby, Hampton’s superior fitness took its toll and as Tiffin wasted several good opportunities, Hampton ran out eventual winners 11-0. It was a disappointing end to the Tiffin season, however after outstanding performances certain players can look forward to competing for a position in the 1st team next year.

Although the Tiffin 1st team had dominated the fixture in the recent years, after a very disappointing season for Tiffin, Hampton went into the fixture as favourites after experiencing a moderately successful season. Played at Grists, Tiffin were looking to finish the season on a high, as well as continue the Tiffin bragging rights over the local opponents. The game was massively intense; however the result did sum up the season Tiffin had experienced. After a hard fought 80 minutes, Hampton ran out victors 10-12, and although Tiffin had played well they so often couldn’t produce the finish.

For 2010, Hampton can claim bragging rights over their local rivals, however with the prospects of a strong Tiffin 1st team for the 2010-11 season, and an exciting young team moving up to represent the U16A squad, Tiffin will hope that the pain will last for only a year, before revenge can be taken in the eagerly anticipated clash in the winter of 2011.