School Profile - St Peter's, York

St. Peter's, founded in 627 by Paulinus, first Archbishop of York, is one of Europe's oldest and most famous schools. The great 8th century scholar, Alcuin, was both pupil and headmaster while a few centuries later Guy Fawkes brushed up on his physics at St Peter's.

The school has a chequered history but was finally established on its present site at Clifton within walking distance of the Minster and the city centre. The junior school, St Olave's, where many of today's side started rugby was purchased in 1901 and the addition of Clifton Preparatory School in 1995 means that pupils can progress through this co-educational school from three to 18.

The last time St Peter's reached a semi-final was in 1998 when they arrived unbeaten but lost an epic encounter with RGS High Wycombe. This team are just as exceptional. They remain unbeaten during their rugby career at St Peter's and in 18 matches this season have scored 721 points against 51conceded.

To be specific, that's 114 tries for and six against with 12clean sheets. That resolution and organisation were vital in a tough quarter-final at Prince Henry's, Evesham where No 8 Tom Woolsey led a magnificent rearguard action against a very good team and the elements in the second half to win 8-3.Although centre Mark Jagger (20) and winger James Pang (16) lead the try scorers, the forwards have been prolific too with Woolsey, lock Jason Burton and flanker Alistair Macleod scoring 30 between them. Full back Charlie Parry, their kicker, has chipped in with 176 points!

St Peter's are coached by Ulsterman Maurice Monteith just as they were the day they lost that first semi-final with such good grace. He has taught biology at the school for eight years, is a housemaster and has looked after the Under 15s for six years.

ROUTE TO SEMI-FINALS:

3rd rnd Leeds GS (h) won 46-3
4th rnd Bradford GS(a) won 25-3
5th rnd: Stonyhurst (h) won 17-15
6th rnd St Ambrose (h) won49-10
qtr-final: Prince Henry's, Evesham won 8-3.