Congratulations are in order for the Chosen Hill under-15 rugby team.

They are now national semi-finalists after managing to beat Churcher’s College 25-20 in Petersfield at the semi-finals of the National Natwest Plate.

Prior to this, the team had earned their place in the quarter-finals by winning against Mount Kelly School, 52-17.

And assistant coach Tim Rogers couldn’t be prouder.

“Churcher’s were a very strong side, which is no less than we expected,” said Tim, who was a Chosen Hill player once.

“We knew it was going to be a tough game, and the biggest game this group had played in.”

The experience was of course very valuable for the team, teaching them important skills about working as a team and trying your absolute best.

“They work hard for each other in both offence and defence – that’s what makes them a good team. Each and every one of them are good mates with each other and that is huge on the pitch,” said Tim.

“It was a test for them physically and mentally. They had to play through their nerves and really fight on the pitch. That’s what school rugby is all about.

“I wouldn’t say it’s a surprise that they won against Churcher’s because they are a fantastic group, and we knew they were more than capable of testing themselves against other talented teams around the country.

“However, you never know who you are going to come up against, so it was a really good test for them to find their playing level.

“They are immensely proud of themselves and each other. Their team spirit on the field was phenomenal, so they deserve to enjoy those moments.

“Funnily enough, when I played for Chosen Hill, we were knocked out of the under-18 Vase at the last 16 stage by Churcher’s College on our own pitch. So perhaps it’s a tad bit of payback for me!”

Now the team have the semi-finals to look forward to, or perhaps anxiously await.

Tim has every faith in the team, though.

“They’ll have to stick together for the semi-final and hopefully the final,” he said.

“Ultimately, this will potentially be the last time they play competitively together, as students move on after GCSEs. This makes every game that little bit more important.

“They have always been a good group of players, and have been there or there abouts with the top teams in the county for ability.

“They have grown so much over the last year as players and they are to be commended for their commitment to rugby and the school.”

Most people know that sport is great for feeling good.

Tim knows this too, which is why he’ll always encourage playing in a school team.

“The benefits of school rugby are huge. It teaches fundamental skills of life, including discipline, teamwork and respect. The list goes on,” he said.

“These are the days the boys will always remember – being out on the pitch working so hard for one another and bringing people together through sport.”

Those are motivational words indeed and it’s undeniable that the team deserve the best of luck for the semi-finals.