April 21, 2008

A strong performance by the front five laid the foundations for Harpenden to defeat Bournemouth 33-20 in the semi-final of the National Under 17 Cup at Henley RFC on Sunday (April 20).

The final on Sunday May 4 will see Harpenden from Hertfordshire take on Lancashire club Tarleton at Sixways, home of Guinness Premiership side Worcester Warriors.

Harpenden scored five tries through Jimmy Speirs (2), Tris Francis, Louis Gabriel and Tom Baker, with four conversions kicked by Jack Cook.

Playing at a high tempo, Harpenden’s back row regularly crossed the gainline and their backs attacked with flair and pace.

Harpenden took an early lead but had to come back from behind after Bournemouth had forged ahead early in the second half.

Bournemouth had defeated Widdon Old Boys in the South West division final but they were outrun by Harpenden who had won through to represent the London & South East division by beating London Irish Amateurs.

Harpenden U17 squad: Jimmy Speirs (captain), Sean Longden, Michael Singleton, Toby Turk, Rory Grant, Zac Kent, David Arbuthnott, George Barnes, John Collins, Jack Cook, Tom Rhodes, Louis Gabriel, Dougie Norris, Courtney Dodds, Tris Francis, Joe Beale, Tom Baker, Andrew Brown, Adam Hills, Luke Johnson, Gus Williams and Ali Mills.

Each of the National U17 Plate, Bowl and Shield semi-finals also pits the winners from the London & South East division against their counterparts from the South West.

In the National U17 Plate, Bristol defeated Tunbridge Wells 45-10 at Henley to reach the final.

In the National U17 Bowl, Marlow and Wimborne played a 7-7 draw in the South West final at Newbury, with Marlow winning through 2-1 in a place-kicking competition to face Dorking in the delayed national semi-final at Henley on Sunday April 27.

Bracknell U17 (the U17 DHL Bracknell Rugby Academy side) will face Derby in the National U17 Shield final after riding out an early onslaught from Hertford to win their semi-final at Henley, 23-8.

National Under 17 Cup London & SE / South West semi-final: Harpenden 33 Bournemouth 20.

National Under 17 Plate London & SE / South West semi-final: Tunbridge Wells 10 Bristol 45.

National Under 17 Bowl London & SE / South West semi-final: Dorking v Marlow, April 27 at Henley (3pm).

National Under 17 Shield London & SE / South West semi-final: Hertford 8 Bracknell 23.

Ends