Some time in 1987, the famous successor to the equally famous BBC Rugby League commentator Eddie Waring, Ray French remarked to an old school friend of mine, John Montador, how hard it was to find decent Sevens fixtures for Cowley School at which he then taught. John recounted this conversation to me which I discussed with Brian Boumphrey, the then local Director of Bowrings, who were sponsoring the Oxford vs Cambridge University match, and lo, Brian persuaded his fellow Directors to sponsor, for an initial three year period, the Sevens Tournament, which ultimately became twelve years. In the event it was the first Sunday in March 1989 when the inaugural tournament was held for the Bowring Trophy. Nineteen schools entered – the winning school being none other than Ray French’s Side from Cowley who beat Wirral Grammar School. The initial committee soon realised that whilst Ray French was approximately right on locations, there were many competing events countrywide. Choosing the first Sunday in March immediately conflicted with the Marches Tournament in Hereford, whilst the National Sevens at Rosslyn Park started on the third Monday in March. In addition there were other variable factors such as leap years, Easter and Mothering Sunday! So the 1990 event was held on the second Sunday when 28 Schools competed, Cowley winning beating Bramhall High School in a well fought final. Over the following decade the tournament became on average a 32 school event with occasionally 40. In 1992 the Boodle & Dunthorne Salver was introduced for Group Runners-Up: the Group winners competing for the Bowring Trophy. The event began to attract schools from the Midlands and some of the stronger ones in the North. Bowring's sponsorship ceased, but other generous benefactors appeared thus ensuring continuing financial security. This year's main sponsors include The Royal Navy, Royal Marines, The Army, Shell International, Arizona Chemicals, Grant Thornton, Coulter Hurst, and Britvic. Several other contributors have helped financially by way of taking advertising space - such as Souter of St Helens, Boodles and Mason Owen. This year will see the second award of the Gerry Finch Memorial Trophy. One of our keenest sponsors and supporters through his company Encase, Gerry was tragically killed in a helicopter accident in 2005. This trophy is awarded to the Player of the Tournament as judged by all the referees. We hope that the chairman of Encase John Kalmanson will be with us in person to present the Trophy. Graeme Marrs MBE If you are interested in entering the 2010 Competition, Click here to download the introductory letter and entry form