Epsom's epic victory

Epsom College could be forgiven for thinking their name is on the Under 15Cup after they took their chances in their quarter-final tie at Millfieldand then defended like demons to hold out for a 13-12 victory over one ofthe favourites.

Millfield, beaten only by the Somerset county side before Christmas andlooking very rusty, even had a try disallowed in the last minute and misseda penalty to win the game.

'It was a very brave performance,' said Epsom coach Andy Wolstenholme, 'andour forwards were magnificent.'

The Surrey school, making their debut in the cup, were given the perfectstart when Warren King pounced on a stray pass to score a try.

Millfieldhit back with a try from their dangerous winger Nana Ampim, converted byfly half Nick Drysdale.

But Epsom accepted another gift when winger James Marjoram charged down akick. He dribbled on before gathering the balll for a try.

Jamie Laidlerkicked a penalty to establish a 13-7 half time lead in the driving rain.

The pitch cut up badly and conditions did not help two free running sidesbut Ampim set up the heart-stopping finish when he finished off a superbcounter-attack move by Millfield 15 minutes into the second half.

The tension became almost unbearable as Millfield attempted to conjure thewinning points and they thought they had scored in the corner only forWorld Cup referee Ed Morrison to rule that there had been a foot in touch.

There was still a chance for Millfield when Morrison penalised Epsom for anoffence in the build-up but the usually reliable Nick Drysdale sliced hiskick from 15 metres.

Epsom must wait until Tuesday to discover their semi-final opponents.

Thebad weather in Yorkshire has forced a postponement of the game between Bradford Grammar and Bromsgrove.