School Sport: Rugby heroes inspire Havering pupils

Hall Mead's year seven squad celebrate with the Havering Cup (Image: Archant)

Pupils from two Havering schools were given some sound advice by top rugby players at their annual sports awards.

Former Campion pupil Kevin Sorrell is now a member of the coaching staff at current Premiership champions Saracens after a long playing career that saw him make 303 appearances for the club.

And after being introduced to the Marshalls Park pupils by outgoing headteacher Pam Mason, the 38-year-old told the youngsters to work hard and believe in themselves.

“There’s no substitute for hard work, but 90 per cent of achieving is believing,” said Sorrell, who also told the children of how former coach Brendan Venter had asked players to be honest, show discipline, humility and a good work rate.

Marshalls Park's year sevens were runners-up in the Havering Cup final (Image: Archant)

Sorrell then handed out awards to pupils, including borough athletics champions Alfie Parrish and Michael Sultana, England juniors Danny Jackson (ice hockey), Kathryn Bailey (skiing) and Chloe Arthur (golf).

Several other prizes were given to students who had played for Havering and Essex, as well as members of school athletics, basketball, boccia, cricket, football, hockey, netball, rounders, rugby, skiing, tennis and volleyball teams.

Sports captains Alfie Cook and Daniel Carter (football), Lewis and Bradley Byford (cricket), Jack Lindsey (rugby) and Abigail Harkness (netball) were also honoured on the day.

England international and World Cup winner Rochelle Clark MBE visited Drapers’ Academy on Monday and echoed the sentiments of Sorrell.

Prop Clark has amassed over 100 caps for England, playing in three World Cups and helping them to the title last year, and said: “You have to train hard and miss the odd fun event now and then, but it is worth it.”

Brook Eaton was named the Elite Sports Performer of the Year for her boxing success, but also for the fact she competes in several other sports for her school.

Evan Khouri took the sportsman of the year prize, as Millie Munson took the sportswoman of the year award, and the year eight netball squad were named team of the year.

There were a host of other trophies handed out on the night, including sports leadership awards, most improved prizes and to those students who had set new school records.

And principal Darren Luckhurst, while placing much value on sporting pursuits, made a point of thanking the PE staff for all of their hard work over the course of the year.

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Hall Mead’s year seven boys completed a rare cricketing clean sweep for the Upminster school with victory in the Havering Cup final over Marshalls Park.

Romford’s Park, having beaten Coopers in the semi-finals, lost wickets in their first two overs and were 19-3 off six overs.

John Ashlynn hit out to score a fine 30, as Park ended their 15 overs on 61-9.

But Hall Mead were halfway towards their target after only four overs of their reply, as Danny Imray impressed with the bat.

And they lost only one wicket on their way to victory to follow in the footsteps of the year eight, nine and 10 squads as champions.