Bedford Blues became the first East Midlands club to lift the English Clubs Colts Cup by beating Redruth 30-5 in today's final at Franklin's Gardens in Northampton.
Bedford, who were beaten by Leeds Tykes in the 2004 final, had to withstand a strong fightback by Redruth in the second half before they pulled away in the final quarter to claim the title.
First-half tries from Midlands Under-18 lock Courtney Laws, prop Tom Williams and scrum-half Will Chudleigh which followed an early drop goal from centre Grant Pointer gave Bedford an 18-0 lead at the interval and appeared to have put them on course for a more comfortable victory.
But Redruth tested Bedford's defensive resolve for most of the third quarter and pulled back an unconverted try through lock Josh Morgan.
But Bedford finished strongly with right wing Duncan Taylor scoring a 65th minute try which effectively sealed their win.
Replacement centre Martin Watkin added a fifth try a minute from time and Pointer tagged on the conversion to take the cup to Goldington Road.
Bury St Edmunds won the English Clubs Colts Plate by beating Weston-super-Mare 18-14 in the final which was played as a curtain-raiser to the Cup.
Bury St Edmunds took an early lead when centre Toby Berridge crossed for an unconverted try after five minutes but it was wiped out 21 minutes later when Weston centre Paul O'Connor crossed and fly-half Ben Main converted.
A penlty from full-back Will Martin reclaimed the lead for the Suffolk club and they did not surrender it again as centre Rob Petherick went over early in the second half and Martin added the conversion followed by a 53rd minute penalty.
Weston were not finished and a try from scrum-half Ross Bennett, which Main improved, three minutes from time ensured a nervous few minutes before Bury St Edmunds claimed the title.
The English Clubs Colts Cup was introduced in 1997/98 as part of the East Midlands RFU's Centenary celebrations at the suggestion of then president Bob Bunting.
The Plate, for clubs beaten in rounds one to three of the Cup, was introduced in 1999/2000.
The Cup, which is administered and organised by the East Midlands RFU, has continued to grow in popularity and to attract a record entry year-on-year.
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