MILLFIELD resumed their dominance of the Marches Schools Rugby Sevens with a record-breaking eighth victory in the prestigious competition at Wyeside, writes Jeremy Finney.

The Somerset-based school firstly lifted the trophy in 1982 and lastly in 1999, but from the start of the day there was an air of inevitability that they would regain the coveted cup as they progressed through the rounds.

They came up against Glantaf in the final and outplayed the Welsh boys with a fine exhibition of sevens rugby for a 33-7 win.

Millfield's swift passing and handling provided the decisive possession needed for the final and Glantaf's reply to a succession of tries came only at the very end with a converted try.

They, too, had players of flair, but perhaps were feeling the effects of a harder passage during the day.

It was the Welsh school who ended hosts Hereford Cathedral School's dream of reaching the final for the first in the 26-year history of the competition.

It was only the second time Cathedral had reached the semi-finals - the first being in 1977 - and they went agonisingly close to going all the way when leading Glantaf 14-12 in the closing minutes.

But the Welsh visitors then laid siege on the Hereford line and last-ditch defending was eventually broken by a drop-over try which was converted with the last kick of the game for a 19-14 win.

Cathedral's score came from two fine tries. Richard Reynolds raced down the left wing for the first, converted by Jake Coates, to earn a 7-0 half-time lead.

Then, after Glantaf had equalised, England under-18 hopeful Coates powered his way down the entire length of the field to score from the right wing and still found the energy to land the conversion kick.

Millfield's closest test came in the other semi-final before they defeated an assured Llandovery College team 22-17.

Defending champions St Edward's, Oxford, failed to qualify for the third round of the cup and went out in the quarter-finals of the consolation plate.

MARCHES CUP

Third round: Millfield 38, Monmouth 0; Arnold 12, RGS Worcester 31; Bromsgrove 43, John Cleveland 0; Llandovery 15, Rossall 5; Glantaf 19, Rugby 14; Christ College Brecon 24, Cheltenham 12; Hereford Cathedral 19, Kings Worcester 7; Rydal 12, Millfield B 14.

Quarter-finals: Millfield 45, RGS Worcester 0; Bromsgrove 7, Llandovery 33; Glantaf 31, Christ College Brecon 28; Hereford Cathedral 17, Millfield B 12.

Semi-finals: Millfield 22, Llandovery 17; Glantaf 19, Hereford 14.

Final: Millfield 33, Glantaf 7.

PLATE

Quarter-finals: Llanhari 0, Old Swinford 49; Strade 24, KES Camp Hill 26; Bristol GS 42, St Edward's Oxford 12; Plymouth bye.

Semi-finals: Old Swinford 31, Camp Hill 16; Bristol GS 31, Plymouth 0.

Final: Bristol GS 24, Old Swinford 12.