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.
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