May 7, 2008

Harpenden from Hertfordshire won the National Under 17 Cup by defeating Lancashire side Tarleton 21-8 in the final played at Worcester Warriors’ Sixways ground last Sunday (May 4).

Travelling supporters of both teams made their voices heard throughout with the result in doubt until the final minutes.

Harpenden led 7-0 when Louis Gabriel scored near the posts and Jack Cook converted. A penalty goal after 31 minutes and an unconverted try in the 50th minute took Tarleton ahead and Harpenden had a spell down to 14 men with one in the sin bin.

But a mixture of individual brilliance and effective team work won the day for Harpenden as John Collins scored a fine solo try, running the ball back from 50 metres to score under the posts.

Collins finished off a team effort for his second try after 65 minutes, and with both of his tries converted by Cook it was 21-8 at the end.

“This is a great result for the whole squad,” said Robin Longden, the Harpenden coach. “It really reflects the dedication to the team they have shown as individuals over the years. What a way for them to finish their junior rugby careers.

“As a club we are very proud of them all and personally it has been a privilege to coach them.”

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

Ends