Outstanding talent on display at Premiership U18 Final’s Day

               There was skill and excitement aplenty as the top six teams met at Sixways for the Premiership U18 Academy League Final’s Day. There were three very different but equally compelling games on display which showed the promising future of the clubs as they competed for the places in the final standings.

                The day began with an open and expansive game which saw 10 tries scored in an exciting game between hosts Worcester Warriors and Saracens. That fixture was followed by a phenomenal demonstration of control and skill in a tight affair between Exeter Chiefs & Wasps, which would have rivalled some of their Premiership encounters. The final game between Harlequins & Sale Sharks was a real battle for victory as both teams sought to be crowned U18 champions for the season.

Worcester Warriors U18 36-26 Saracens U18

Worcester’s dominant first half performance and solid defensive effort saw them victors in the first game of Finals Day. Their heavy carrying forwards and skilful backline combined to cause problems for the Saracens defence with Worcester leading 24-12 at the break. The second half saw the Saracens replacements inject urgency into their side to turn the game around.  Despite Saracens leading in the second half, Worcester continued to fight to regain the lead and then a huge defensive effort denied a dangerous Saracens side to seal victory.

                There was some real attacking flair shown by both forwards and backs alike, with good handling, strong carrying and a lot of pace on display too.  With Ollie Lawrence, Cameron Harrison & Billy Young all scoring two tries, there were plenty of players who stood out. However it was Worcester captain and number 8 Ted Hill who impressed most for the home side with his tireless commitment and work rate in defence at crucial times as well as in attack. For the visitors Joel Kpoku led the charge well despite playing with a knock to the ankle, a highly rated prospect for the future, he carried well through the tackles and caused problems for the Worcester defence.

Exeter Chiefs U18 29-28 Wasps U18

                In a game played at a high level of skill and control throughout, it was Exeter who edged out Wasps in a game that would not have looked amiss between the two sides’ senior squads. With the lead swapping hands seven times in the game it was a fierce battle led by the strength & discipline of the Exeter forwards and the excitement & skill of the Wasps backline. The Exeter forwards dominated up front as they continued to gain territory, while Wasps were not to be outdone with impressive performances from their backline to put them into the lead. Exeter’s fly half pulled the strings late on however, to put Exeter back ahead which their defence saw them hold in the closing moments.

                Both teams matched the qualities of their respective senior’s sides. Wasps backline was a danger throughout with neat quick handling and dynamic running lines, with Sam Spink & Brenan Clark looking particularly threatening. Exeter, however, dominated up front with a tenacious performance from their forwards to provide a platform to victory, led by big Rusi Tuima & flanker Charlie Wright. The game was dominated by two outstanding performances from both fly halves. Jacob Umaga, who had started for England U20’s at the weekend, demonstrated his ability to lead the attack with wonderful handling and vision as well as accuracy from the tee. Gwyn Parks continued to impress as his kicking from hand continued to pin Wasps back as well as kicking 19 points himself from penalties and conversions, both are real bright prospects for the future.

Harlequins U18 20-8 Sale Sharks U18

                The final was a nervy affair but discipline and control saw Harlequins the victors and crowned champions of the Premiership Academy U18 League for 2016-17. It was Sale that started the brighter of the two sides as their set piece asserted itself as the dominant force early on, providing a good attacking platform inside the Harlequins half. However, late in the first half Harlequins built themselves into the game. This continued into the second half as they controlled possession and territory. Despite Sale endeavouring to attack from deep to get back into the game, it was a late score for Harlequins that sealed the victory.

                Harlequins were deserving winners after strong performances throughout the season, and showing real maturity to control the second half of the final. The Sale set-piece showed promise early on and caused Harlequins problems with Sam Dugdale and Nic Dolly leading the charge. Harlequins lock pairing Hugh Tizard & Henry Paremain impressed with a solid defensive effort as well as dominating the breakdown battle. Fly-half Marcus Smith was the star performer from the final as he controlled the game well with real composure.

Bright future from the stars of 2016-17 Academy League

Throughout the season in both the league and on finals day, the high intensity and skill level on show has been hugely impressive. There were really competitive fixtures across the divisions reflected in the entertaining matches at Sixways. There are a huge number of talented individuals around the squads who will be fighting to be retained by their respective Premiership squads. However, all the players on show should be proud of the commitment and desire that was evident to all as they gained invaluable experience at such a high level. If this is the future of English rugby, then there is a lot to be excited about.

Harlequins control sees them crowned U18 Champions in win over Sale

The final fixture of this season’s Premiership Under 18 Academy League was between Harlequins and Sale Sharks. Both sides were dominant in their respective conferences and lost only one game in the league campaign. The final took place under the floodlights at Sixways in front of an impressive crowd including a number of senior players and coaches, with the winners being crowned champions of the league for 2016-17.

                It was a nervy start to the game with neither side willing to risk too much and well drilled defences keeping either side from gaining an early score. The Sale set piece looked to be in the ascendency as it provided a good platform for Sale to build an attack. Defence continued to prove strong as Quins repelled Sale, however eventually Sale scrum half Matt Sturgess attacked the fringe of a ruck and his quick feet got him over the line for the first score of the game.

                Sale continued to apply pressure as they controlled the attack well and made steady progress up the field. The Harlequins defence continued to deny Sale any significant gain in territory but eventually gave away a penalty in front of the posts. The simple kick for Kieran Wilkinson gave Sale a 0-8 lead. Harlequins had their opportunities in the half with ball in hand but occasional handling errors meant they were not able to capitalise.

                It was clear that Harlequins were beginning to work themselves into the game in the closing stages of the half with more possession and steady progress into the Sale half. A penalty for a high tackle shortly before the half-time whistle gave Marcus Smith a chance to get Quins on the scoreboard. A successful kick brought the half-time score to Harlequins 3-8 Sale Sharks.

                Harlequins started the second half as they ended the first, gaining steady control and territory. Quins’ forwards took charge after a strong driving maul put them in a good position on the Sale 22m. Several phases later the forwards had carried up to the Sale line before backrow Luke James finished off the attack as he stretched out and reached for the try line. The conversion gave Harlequins the lead at 10-8.

                With Harlequins in control of the game, Sale were looking to create their own opportunities to attack with ball in hand. However, with Quins controlling territory Sale had to attack from deep inside their own half. The risk didn’t pay off however as they gave away a penalty in front of the posts after breaking outside their 22m. The penalty was neatly slotted by fly-half Smith to extend the lead to 13-8.

                The game was put to bed shortly afterwards as two pieces of individual brilliance created a try for Quins out of nothing. Firstly Smith showed his own pace and skill with a quick counter attack that brought Harlequins up to halfway, and then winger McDuffus demonstrated his own quick feet as he stepped out of two tackles and burst free before racing in from 40m out to score under the posts, the conversion giving Harlequins an unassailable 20-8 lead.

                Despite Sale upping the tempo in the dying moments of the game and looking to threaten, Harlequins defence saw the game out before the ball was booted off the park. The full-time whistle sparked celebrations both on and off the pitch for the Harlequins players and supporters, as they became Premiership  Under 18 League champions.

                After a tight and nervy start, as to be expected in a final, Sale looked to be building a strong performance. Their set piece provided a good platform for the Sale back line to attack but Harlequins defence kept the deficit low before building themselves into the game in the late stages in the first half. That confidence was clearly carried into the second half as Harlequins controlled the second period, keeping Sale pinned well back in their own half and retaining possession well.

                Sale, having given themselves an early lead, will be disappointed to have allowed Harlequins into the game late in the first half and give momentum away. However, they can be pleased that their defensive effort kept the score close till the dying moments of the game. Number 8, Sam Dugdale and hooker, Nic Dolly should take the plaudits for a strong set piece and forwards performance early in the half. While fly-half Kieran Wilkinson controlled the game early on with well-placed kicks from hand.

                Harlequins will be delighted to have fought their way back into the game and controlled large parts of the second half. Credit should go to the lock pairing of Hugh Tizard & Henry Paremain who were very solid defensively and caused trouble for Sale at the breakdown, while centre Jake Hennessey looked threatening with ball in hand, causing the Sale defence trouble with his bright running lines. Having controlled the game from fly-half, Marcus Smith’s  composed performance despite the pressure of a final, earned Harlequins the victory as he controlled the attack and took the points on offer well.

Masterclass in control and maturity as Exeter U18 edge out Wasps

Two very strong sides in Exeter and Wasps were the second match at the Premiership U18 Academy League finals day at Sixways. Both sides were narrowly beaten to top spot in their respective conferences, Wasps finishing on the same number of points as league winners Sale, being beaten only on points difference. 

                 There was much excitement around two fly halves on display, in Exeter’s Gwyn Parks who had impressed with his kicking & game control throughout the season and Wasps’ Jacob Umaga who was the starting fly half for England U20’s win against Wales at the weekend.

                Wasps scrum half got the game off to a lightening start with a great solo try. After collecting the ball just outside his own 22m, the captain Will Porter stepped two Exeter players before bursting into space and using his pace to score an 80 metre try under the posts to give Wasps the early lead. Exeter began to eat into the Wasps lead with two penalties, the first a well struck kick 45m out from Parks and the second following a strong carry by Exeter’s huge presence at number 8 Rusi Tuima, closing the score to 7-6.

                Wasps were back on the attack shortly after and neat hands from Umaga created a simple two on one which was well finished by full back Matt Wells, the conversion extending the lead to 14-6. Exeter’s forwards responded with powerful carries and good support with Charlie Wright making good ground but the Wasps defence hoeld Exeter just short of the try line before conceding a penalty which was calmly slotted. The Exeter forwards continued to dominate as a driving maul from a lineout on the Wasps 22m was driven up to the line before being stopped just short, but prop Danny Southworth finished it off, the conversion giving Exeter a 16-14 lead. With a further exchange of penalty kicks before the half-time whistle, Exeter maintained their lead at 19-17.

                The Wasps backline began the second half in the same way they started the first, looking lively in attack, before earning a penalty on the Exeter 22m, giving them the lead back at 19-20. The Exeter forwards also looked to pick up where they left off as they continued to apply sustained pressure on Wasps, making their way deep into Wasps territory. The pressure eventually told after a number of phases of Wasps defence, as Rusi Tuima attacked on the fringe and crossed the whitewash for Exeter. The lead was narrowed again however, as Wasps winger Taju Atta ignited the Wasps attack using pace to get round the Exeter defence. Despite being stopped just short, hooker Alfie Barbeary kept his width on the wing and went over in the corner, giving Exeter just a one point lead at 26-25.

                The Wasps backline continued to cause problems for the Exeter defence and a penalty 35m out in front of the posts was slotted by Umaga to give them a 26-28 lead with not long to go in the second half. However, Parks showed his skill in kicking from hand and gained territory deep inside the Wasps half, and Wasps then went on to concede a penalty just outside the 22m near the touchline, and Parks calmly slotted the penalty to restore Exeter’s one point lead at 29-28. Wasps pressurised Exeter in the remaining few minutes but the defence held firm and the ball was turned over and kicked off the park as Exeter won in a high class game from both sides.

                In a game that wouldn’t look amiss in the Aviva Premiership both sides should be hugely proud of the effort and discipline showed throughout the game. Wasps backline looked constantly threatening and Exeter’s forwards were incredibly powerful, but what was most impressive was the level of control and maturity shown as both sides attacked and defended. In the tightest of games, Exeter’s forwards, who had led their team well throughout the season, gave their team the platform to secure the victory and 3^rd place in this season U18 league.

                Wasps, much like their senior side, will be pleased with the dangerous backline they possess. It was led well by lively and quick scrum half Will Porter, and supported well by wingers Atta & Clark both with real pace and an eye for a broken defence. However, the standout performance from Wasps came from fly-half Jacob Umaga. Not only did Umaga kick 13 points from the tee, his distribution from hand was quick, direct and accurate. He controlled the game extremely well and was a great playmaker to make the most of Wasps’ attacking backline.

                Exeter will be delighted to have won this hard fought game and owe a lot of credit to their forward pack which produced a powerful and influential performance. There was a huge work rate across the squad, led well by hooker Ben Phillips working hard in defence. Exeter’s back row also got through a huge amount of work in defence but also dominant carries created great opportunities, with Charlie Wright & Rusi Tuima looking like great prospects. However, as with Wasps, huge credit should also be given to fly-half Gwyn Parks. Parks controlled the game well and his kicking from hand was pinpoint accurate and continued to peg Wasps back. His goal kicking was also vital in securing Exeter the win, nailing a number of challenging kicks and earning 19 points from the tee.

Worcester U18 victorious over Saracens to kick-off U18 Final’s Day in style

Worcester hosted Saracens in the first fixture of the Premiership U18 Academy League Final’s day at Sixways. Both sides finished third in their respective conferences and were hoping to get the day off with a bang, as they competed for 5^th place in the overall standings. With a still, clear day and the artificial surface at Sixways it was bound to be a high scoring affair and neither side disappointed.

                Worcester started the faster of the sides as despite some big defence from Saracens, a well delivered pass from fly-half Forrester put captain Ted Hill through the defence and under the posts for the early score. Saracens hit back straight away, piling the pressure on the Worcester defence which eventually gave way as Saracens star lock Joel Kpoku broke through the line, which left a simple finish for Sean Reffell bundling over a scrambling Worcester defence.

                Worcester regained the ascendancy immediately with two scores one after another, both from centre Ollie Lawrence. The first came from a quick wrap around the defensive line and a fend off put him over in the corner. The next came after another strong break from Ted Hill bringing Worcester back inside the Saracens 22m, Lawrence this time showed his power as he bumped off a tackler and scored under the posts, giving Worcester a 19-7 lead.

                Saracens turned up the pace and were back on the attack shortly after inside the Worcester half, where nice build up play looked to have led to a try in the corner but the final pass was forward and was brought back. Saracens made the most of their next opportunity as the forwards worked their way back inside the Worcester 22m before a well floated pass from fly-half Manu Vunipola put Elliot Obitiyembo in at the corner. It was Worcester who finished the half on top however, with hooker Cameron Harrison collecting the ball and showing a good turn of pace as he made 30 metres into Saracens territory. Harrison then held up possession and created a simple two on one which was finished by James Scott, bringing the half-time score to 24-12.

                The second half started slower than the first as neither side were able to gain ground easily and defences held firm. However, a mistake from a lineout gave Saracens’ Sean Reffell an opportunity to gain ground deep into the Worcester half, and a strong carry from replacement prop Billy Young carried him over the line for his first try. It didn’t take him long to get his second and give Saracens the lead for the first time in the game. A quick tap penalty was taken by replacement scrum-half James Elms and a scrambling defence couldn’t stop Young going over in the corner, giving Saracens a 24-26 lead.

                However, the lead was short lived as a box kick shortly after the restart was charged down by hooker Harrison who had the composure to collect the ball and score. Saracens looked to be applying real pressure on the Worcester defence and playing inside the Worcester half in the closing stages of the match, but frequent indiscipline and staunch Worcester defence cost them valuable field position.  Worcester backed-up their defensive effort in the final phases of the game with clinical attacking play, as a maul from 15m out from the Saracens try line was driven all the way over with Harrison getting his second of the game and sealing a 36-26 victory over Saracens.

                Despite a very strong second half performance from Saracens, helped by an increase in pace from the replacements, Worcester had done enough with a clinical first half and strong defensive effort to hold Saracens out in crucial moments in the second and were deserved winners.

                Saracens forwards will be pleased with their contribution both in defence and through strong carries, with standout performances by lock Joel Kpoku & backrow pair Sean Reffell and Tobias Munday. Full-back Elliot Obitiyembo came alive in the second half as Saracens came into the game with good running lines, getting himself on the scoresheet. Billy Young will also be pleased with his impact on the game as he came on in the second half, crossing the whitewash twice and playing with a great level of energy from the moment he joined the game.

                Worcester will be delighted to have secured the win with such a complete performance across the two halves, and while despite being disappointed at letting Saracens back into the game, showed real character to see the game out at the end. Captain Ted Hill led by example with a big defensive effort and gained  ground in attack, getting a try himself, and fellow backrow Tom Fawcett also defended well at crucial moments. Cameron Harrison and Ollie Lawrence, both with two tries each, will be pleased with their performances and Alex Bartley looked dangerous on the wing with real pace.

Aviva Premiership Round-Up - Round 14

The Aviva Premiership exploded back into action this weekend. Despite missing internationals away with the Six Nations, there were edge of your seat games across the weekend as teams aimed to hit the ground running into the next group of fixtures. Having been on hiatus for over a month with European and Anglo-Welsh fixtures there were plenty of eye watering fixtures and crucial games at both the top and bottom of the league.

Bath Rugby 32-30 Northampton Saints – 10/02/17

                Bath reignited their fight for the play-offs with victory against a Northampton team who have been struggling to find form this season. Despite Bath building an early lead the second half opened up with the lead changing hands several times within the last twenty minutes to create a nailbiting finish. A moment of individual brilliance from replacement Chris Cook still wasn’t enough to repel Northampton fighting back to lead by a point. A missed kick from the tee by Rhys Priestland looked to have given Northampton the victory, but a misplaced clearance and penalty from the breakdown gave him a second chance at the full-time whistle. A chance he slotted between the posts to the delight of Bath faithful at the Rec.

Sale Sharks 26-24 Newcastle Falcons – 10/02/17

                Sale put an end to a six game losing streak in the Aviva Premiership with a nervy victory of Newcastle at the AJ Bell.  Explosive wingers created ample opportunities with Denny Solomona scoring one and setting up another, but Vereniki Gonevea went better getting a hat-trick including two 50 metre intercept tries. Sale looked to have thrown the game away with a clinical Newcastle making the most of their opportunities. With minutes to go it was Sale’s set piece dominance that came to the rescue as Will Addison’s penalty gave them the victory.  A crucial victory sees Sale drag themselves away from the relegation battle they were slowly falling into.

Bristol Rugby 8-42 Harlequins – 10/02/17

                Bristol may have been hoping to capitalise on a Harlequins side with players missing through both international and injury and a terrible away record in the league this season, but it wasn’t to be as Harlequins easily beat a lacklustre Bristol side. However there was history on the Bristol side as Tom Varndell became the leading Premiership try scorer with his 91^st try, overtaking Mark Cueto. A yellow card just before half-time proved to be somewhat of a turning point as the visitors ran in a total of four tries in the second half. The Premiership break doesn’t seemed to have helped Bristol as they conceded 40 points for the fourth time this season having begun to look more competitive in their last few Premiership outings.

Worcester Warriors 24-18 Saracens – 11/02/17

                Worcester will be delighted to have made the most of a Saracens side missing a few notable names away on international duty with an impressively controlled performance at Sixways. Despite outscoring the hosts two tries to zero, Saracens had to settle for a losing bonus point with a penalty in the closing stages of the game.  Worcester were the beneficiaries of 24 points from the boot of Ryan Mills that gave them a vital victory after Bristol’s defeat the night before. Worcester will be pleased with the manner of the performance against the champions with a huge team effort for the entire 80 minutes. The win sees them move 5 points clear of Bristol at the bottom while Saracens will be hoping the pick themselves up quickly as the chasing pack moves closer at the top of the table.

Leicester Tigers 34-9 Gloucester Rugby – 11/02/17

                Leicester earned their first league win under Aaron Mauger with a powerful performance against Gloucester. The Tigers forward pack dominated proceedings from start to finish with three tries earned by the forwards and one for Adam Thompstone giving them a bonus point victory. With Freddie Burns being replaced early, Owen Williams got the chance to show his future employers at Gloucester what they’re getting next season with decisive kicking both from the tee and in open play. The victory for Leicester will keep their hopes alive of chasing down the top four positions before the end of season while Gloucester continue to struggle with getting the job done on the road this season.

Exeter Chiefs 35-35 Wasps – 12/02/17

                Another real classic between these two sides saw points shared in a thrilling game at Sandy Park. In a game that had everything, including 10 tries, two penalty tries, two yellow cards and a red, there were huge levels of power and skill in both sides. Wasps threatened with their explosive backline through Wade and Eastmond, but Exeter weren’t to be outdone with their skills in handling shown throughout the squad. A red card for Exeter’s Jonny Hill early in the second half still didn’t dissuade either side from going for the victory but in the end Joe Simpson’s late try was enough for a draw. With Saracen’s loss Wasps extend their lead at the top to five points and Exeter also close within five of last season’s Champions.

Round 15 Preview

Gloucester Rugby v Saracens – 17/02/17
                Gloucester will be hoping their home form can start to see them crawl up the Premiership table as they host a vulnerable Saracens side. Saracens, on the back of their loss against Worcester, will be keen to right the wrongs of last weekend and prove the real strength in depth they possess.
Prediction: Saracens by 4

Leicester Tigers v Bristol Rugby – 18/02/17
                More of the same will be asked of Leicester as they’ll be targeting another big victory in front of the Welford Road crowd as they welcome bottom of the table Bristol. Bristol will be hoping to correct those defensive errors against Harlequins and put in a performance to show they may be down, but not out.
Prediction: Leicester by 18

Bath Rugby v Harlequins – 18/02/17
                After securing a late victory of Northampton, Bath will look to continue to put distance between them and the chasing pack as Harlequins are the visitors. Quins will be buoyed by their first win on the road but will still be without a number of key squad members and will have it all to do.
Prediction: Bath by 8

Worcester Warriors v Exeter Chiefs – 18/02/17
                Worcester, coming off the high of beating last season’s champions, will look to win their third successive home game in the league against a dangerous and exciting Exeter. Exeter, having played in a thrilling draw against top of the table Wasps on Sunday, won’t want to let their fight for a home semi-final stutter and will seek a big performance on the road.
Prediction: Exeter by 6

Sale Sharks v Wasps – 19/02/17
                Sale, having done enough to see off Newcastle on Friday night, have a long turnaround as they welcome top of the table Wasps to the AJ Bell on Sunday afternoon. Wasps, with such a threatening backline, will look to exploit any defensive frailties in Sale and cement their place at the top of the table.
Prediction: Wasps by 11

Newcastle Falcons v Northampton Saints – 19/02/17
                In what could be a season defining game for both teams, there is a lot on the line at Kingston Park. Newcastle will look to exploit their home field advantage against a Northampton side who will be hurting after being beaten in the last play against Bath. Victory for either side could see them looking up the table at the top 6 positions and a fight for top flight European rugby next season.
Prediction: Newcastle by 3

London Irish finish U18 season on a high in exciting encounter against Bristol

London Irish U18 ended their campaign with a 34-26 victory over Bristol at Hazelwood. In what was a very competitive game from both sides, a strong second half from Irish proved enough to fend off a persistent Bristol side. While neither side can reach finals day for the season, there were plenty of impressive skills on display for the coaches to be pleased about.

London Irish end their season with victory
on the 4G pitch at Hazelwood

Both London Irish & Bristol came into the game knowing that chances of making the RFU U18 League finals day had slipped away for this year. However, there was a lot on the line for players on both sides as they seek to make an impression on coaches in vying for permanent contracts in the respective academy setups.

Bristol, since their opening day draw with local rivals Bath, have suffered some heavy defeats at the hands of Harlequins and Saracens. Academy Manager Mike Hall has said “There needs to be an all-round improvement from the Harlequins game and we are confident in our group that they can achieve that.” London Irish, current U18 champions, were hoping to build on their victory against Bath and strong attacking performance against Saracens. Irish also gave opportunities to a number of young prospects with several under 17 and under 16 players in the squad.

Irish started the brighter of the two sides with the early possession. Irish made headway into the Bristol half but solid defence was keeping them out. However, Irish scrum-half Harry Delaney’s quick thinking from a quick tap penalty caught out the Bristol defence and a pass found Russell Bennett who crossed the line for an early score. Converting his own try gave Irish a 7-0 lead.

The handling errors on both sides in the first half stifled opportunities to attack, but it was Bristol who took their chance with great pace from winger Tom Hargan to break 40m downfield to put in Josh Wright to score under the posts, levelling the scores at 7-7.

Irish finished the half the stronger of the two sides with two late scores. Swift ball from the lineout gave Irish great attacking possession, and good ball from the midfield set winger Jack Jesty up for a dash to the line and he dotted the ball down in the corner. The second score came from another quick tap penalty from Delaney who got an offload out of the tackle to Bennett who scored his second try of the game. The half ended with Irish 17-7 up on the scoreboard.

Bristol’s set piece began the second half on top with a powerful scrummage providing a good platform for the backs. From that platform Bristol sought to attack from deep but a grubber kick was collected by Irish who set up inside the 22m. While the Bristol defence was scrambling, a neat step from Rory McMichael gave Irish the first score of the half. However, Bristol hit back immediately as flanker Nick Freeman broke through the Irish defence to set up a promising position inside the Irish 22m. The ball was spun out wide to Hargan who made it over in the corner to bring the score to 24-12.

With the game really opening up there was attacking intent shown by both sides with back and forth 

scores and neither side able to dominate the other. Bennett continued to show his skill and distribution at fly half with a skilful wrap around which  had the Bristol defence creaking under the pressure and another strong carry from Irish put them over for their 5^th score. Iwan Hughes at full-back for Bristol was also showing his impressive skillset and quick feet as he broke through the Irish defence to give Sol Hutchings a simple finish to keep the game within two scores at 31-19.

With around 10 minutes left on the clock Bristol fell foul of the referee and were penalised at a ruck and received a yellow card as Irish attacked inside the 22m. Irish opted to slot the simple penalty and extended their lead to 34-19. However, shortly after Irish were also reduced to 14 men with a harsh penalty for a dump tackle that saw Elliot Quinton sent to the bin. Bristol scored from the resulting penalty as a strong maul was stopped just short by Irish but Ethan Organ carried through the Irish tacklers to score and bring the score to 34-26. Irish saw out the rest of the game in possession to seal their second victory of the season.

Both sides can be impressed with some of the skills on show in a very competitive game. Bristol will be pleased with a much improved performance from the previous week against Harlequins. Bristol had a very strong set piece with a powerful scrum that troubled the Irish pack. While there were some handling errors that cost them attacking opportunity there were impressive performances -  Tom Hargan who bagged himself two tries and Iwan Hughes who commanded the back line and held an impressive set of skills himself. Bristol will be hoping to carry the form of this game into the final match of the season against a very strong Gloucester side next Saturday at Filton.

Irish will be pleased with their last match of the season with a more complete all-round performance combining the attacking prowess they have shown all season with a more solid defensive effort. The half backs will be very pleased with their contribution as Delaney & Bennett both controlled the game well and caused trouble for the Bristol defence. The front row continued to impress and put their bodies on the line in defence. Josh Basham once again showed his leadership qualities alongside a tireless work rate, and Jack Jesty will also be pleased with his contribution as one of the younger members of the squad getting himself on the score sheet. With only two wins for the season, Irish will be disappointed considering the very strong performances throughout the season and close games that they have been involved in against other very strong sides in this year’s competition. They will be hoping to build on the impressive number of young players that have now gained valuable experience at this level and push on to compete for the title again next year.