Playing some superb creative sevens rugby – at times virtually error-free – they dominated every team they played, beating the fancied South West Two side Windsor in the main competition finals to win the Royal Holloway University's Bedford College Shield, previously held by London One club Staines.

In their pool they beat host side Egham (Royal Holloway graduates' club) 43-10, the current Royal Holloway side 61-5, and Woking 40-5. Ben Campbell and Matt Harboard shared the most tries, but everyone else in the squad got on the scoreboard.

H&B's physicality in defence, aggressive ball-winning at the breakdowns and quick precision in attack proved dominant, despite their lack of a flyer with the out-and-out pace of some of their opponents.

With a bye in the quarter-finals, H&B met a confident Old Oundleians squad – a school with a strong tradition of sevens excellence - in the semi-fianls, but steam-rollered them in an impressive 41-5 victory.

The final against Windsor was a tighter affair, Kit Claughton scoring early on, but Windsor replying with an individual break down the wing, leaving the score 7-7 at half time.

But patience, huge hits, and excellent handling and running lines put H&B ahead again in the second half with a Piers Claughton try – only for Windsor to match the score again, via the same wide route.

Then some skilful lineout work by Jimmy Adams ended with Harboard racing through to put H&B five points clear. And with half a minute to go, Piers Claughton scored the clincher.

Another day of great committed teamwork gave H&B the reward they deserved, and established the beginnings of what they plan to be regular post-season sevens campaigns.

All 14 who represented the side over the three tournaments played out of their skins, while young fringe-1st XV players James Usherwood and John Perkins did particularly well in their first taste of the seven-man game.

H&B: K. Claughton, P. Claughton, Sandeman, Campbell, Adams, Roberts, Holewell, Harboard, D. Northen, Usherwood, Perkins, de Ujtalussy. Brampton and McManus played in earlier tournaments.