Northampton School for Boys rugby head coach Mark Lee spoke of his ‘immense pride’ after the team’s Daily Mail Cup final defeat to Dulwich College at Twickenham.
Dulwich’s enormous forward power proved decisive on the day, their bigger front five proving too strong for a Northampton side who refused to throw in the towel.
Lee will now attempt to lift the team, who he admitted were left in a mess after the energy-sapping cup cracker.
“I thought we played some fantastic rugby and I’m immensely proud of them,” said Lee.
“We’ve come a long way in this competition and to put up a performance like that against a side that were much bigger than we were and much more physical is brilliant.
“They had a good driving game which we found difficult to contend with. But when we moved the ball around with our pace I thought we stretched them and we frightened them.
“That dressing room is a mess. We have got to make them feel how proud we are of them. They’re a fantastic group of boys.”
Dulwich knew their renowned forward power could prove key to retaining their crown and their catch-and-drive routines at the lineout were put to good effect throughout.
“We watched them play several times and we knew that’s what they would do,” Lee added.
“We wanted to get the ball away in that 13 channel and play quick tempo ball. And we did it a few times and we got behind them, but it was not to be.”