The Buckinghamshire side lost a tight encounter 15-13 to defending champions Harrow School in Aylesbury, with a second half penalty ultimately proving decisive.
Former London Wasps scrum half Honeyben believes RGS can still be satisfied with all they have achieved in an impressive cup run.
“I’m really disappointed because I thought the game was there for the taking and we just didn’t take our chances,” he said.
“But having said that, I’m just filled with pride for our players and all they’ve achieved this season.
“They’ve shown massive resilience throughout the competition. There have been one-score games throughout the rounds.
“Everyone knows with knockout rugby you need to have that resilience and that composure at the right times. They’ve shown that all the way through.
“Today wasn’t quite our day but that shouldn’t take away from everything they have achieved.”
While it means RGS miss out on a chance to play at Allianz Stadium, they still felt the big game atmosphere at Aylesbury RFC on Saturday.
There was a sizeable travelling support for both teams, creating an impressive atmosphere for schoolboy rugby, while England star George Furbank was also among the spectators.
“They love it, it’s a great occasion. They deserve moments like this for the hard work they put in” said Honeyben.
“We try and concentrate on the game and not let the occasion get to us. Maybe they did for the first 10 minutes but they settled down.”
The RFU Continental Tyres Cup is foundational to age-grade rugby in England, enabling students from across the country to compete against one another and against the best the game has to offer at schoolboy level.
Now, RGS’ attention will turn back to the training field with their season far from over as they look to implement the lessons from their clash with Harrow.
“You get to this far in the competition and the big occasions and there is experience for the players that can be gained,” added Honeyben.
“We’ve got Sedbergh 10s left which is going to be a big tournament and we’re looking forward to it.
“It’s just about dusting ourselves down, working out what worked and what didn’t and get going again.”
The Continental Tyres Schools Cup is an important part of the age-grade rugby landscape in England, with schools’ rugby often where players fall in love with the game for the first time. For more information visit the Continental Tyres Schools Cup section of the England Rugby Website
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Author : rugby-247
Publish date : 2025-03-05 19:09:14
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