Young Gun: Jamie Barden – Cranleigh School

A broken leg cost him his place in the Harlequins academy but Jamie Barden proved he is full of resource by helping Cranleigh school retain their Rosslyn Park Sevens title on Friday.
The youngster suffered the injury at the start of last season and was subsequently released by Quins.
As tough as it was to take, Barden got back fit and threw everything he had playing for his school.
He played a key role in their impressive 15s season but he saved the best until last with a second-half try double in the final against Brighton on Friday.
“Harlequins were completely right for letting me go as I didn’t play in any of the games last season because of my injury,” he told The Rugby Paper.
“It happens but you’ve just got to keep working and I’ve really enjoyed playing for my school this year.
“I’ve got to thank our coach Andy Houston for looking after me all the time. He’s been unbelievable with me.
“To score in the final was an unbelievable feeling – especially the last try.
“I was lucky the ball bounced back up for me and I managed to get over the line.
“I didn’t know it was the last play but when I got up the referee singled it was over. I’ve got another year at school so I’ll do my best to stay fit, come back and defend our title.”
Like the rest of his teammates, Barden was playing in the memory of their late friend Jake Andrew who passed away last month.
And while it was his brace of tries that sealed the win in the final, he is quick to praise all of his squad for doing everything they could to win the largest schools tournament in the world.
He added: “Before every game, we’ve had a minute of silence between ourselves to remember Jake who tragically lost his battle with cancer.
“The team effort throughout the tournament was incredible. It is a very tough tournament and you really need all 12 players in the squad.
“They all put in an outstanding shift. I can’t believe we managed to win back-to-back titles.
“Everything we worked on in training worked for us and it’s wonderful. What a year we’ve had.
“We’ve won the St Joseph’s Festival and only lost three out of our 19 games in 15s.”