April 19, 2007

Cheshire will be doubly represented when the National Under 17 Championship finals at staged at Worcester RFC on May 6, with Caldy and Altrincham Kersal winning their semi-finals at Doncaster RFC yesterday (Sunday, April 15).

In the Cup competition, Altrincham Kersal beat Nottingham 34-14 and will now face Dorking, 31-27 winners against Longlevens.

After being put under pressure early on by the heavier Nottingham forwards, the whole Altrincham Kersal team responded magnificently, their tenacity and controlled aggression, combined with their speed and ball handling ability, eventually overcoming a good Nottingham team.

Fly-half and captain James Nettleton led the way with one try, three conversions and two penalties, with Rob Holloway, Harry Luscombe and Chris Yu also crossing.

In the Shield semi-final, Caldy beat Old Laurentians 17-8 and now meet Upminster, who beat Saltash 19-0 in their semi.

Northern hopes of having a trio of clubs at Worcester now rest with Keswick. They entertain Woodrush in the Bowl semi-final on Sunday, April 22, with Cobham awaiting the winners.

Yorkshire hopes of having a representative in finals day were dashed when Otley went down 43-10 in the Plate semi at Newark. Newark now face Richmond in the final.