Leicester crowned Premiership U18 Academy League champions with an outstanding display

Leicester Tigers were 43-21 victors over Gloucester at Allianz Park claiming the Aviva Premiership U18 Academy League championship for the 2017-18 season. The Tigers produced a complete performance that saw them worthy champions as they overawed Gloucester, led by a fantastic display from fly-half Sam Costelow. 

Leicester Tigers and Gloucester Rugby U18's played in the
showpiece in the Academy League season at Allianz Park

             Both Leicester and Gloucester dominated their respective conferences during the regular season, and set up a scintillating contest on Finals Day. Leicester had big results in the regular season with the highlight being a 52-5 victory over conference runners-up, Wasps. The only blip on their journey was a thrilling 31-31 opening day draw to Northampton back in December. Gloucester completed six wins from six in an incredibly competitive southern conference. The Cherry & Whites set their stall out early beating Saracens 34-31 on the opening day at Allianz and then defeating the defending Champions, Harlequins, by the same scoreline.

             Both sides thoroughly deserved their place in the showpiece of the Academy League competition. However, it was Leicester who came storming out the blocks to race to a 15-0 lead in the early stages. Tries from the giant full-back Freddie Steward and the captain Cameron Jordan and well as a huge 45 metre penalty kick from fly-half Sam Costelow.

             Gloucester got themselves into the game with a score from Jack Reeves after a lengthy injury delay. However, Leicester continued to play with pace and intensity and built on their score. A moment of individual brilliance from Freddie Steward, collecting his own chip ahead, scoring his second of the day, and neat footwork from Ronnie Du Randt gave Leicester a 29-7 lead at the break.

             Leicester's impressive display continued at the start of the second half. The impressive backline working the Tigers inside the 22, before a dominant scrum gave Henri Lavin a chance to carry through the tackle to score. Costelow continued to pull the strings at fly-half, keeping Gloucester pinned deep inside their own territory. Before turning hand to attack and sliding a pass to lock George Martin who finished under the posts.

             With the scoreline at 43-7 with 15 minutes remaining the winner seemed decided. However, Gloucester finished the game on top as they managed to unlock their pacey backline. Winger Jacob Morris showed his speed with a counter attack from a deep kick, as he set replacement Louis Rees-Zammit in for Gloucester's second try. The final try came from a break down the wing from Jack Curtis, a penalty and driving maul was finished by Alex Hunt in the corner to make the final score 43-21.

             While Gloucester may feel disappointed in their performance, they should take pride in the way they continued to compete and finished the game stronger of the sides. Finishing unbeaten in the southern conference, they played some thrilling rugby throughout the contest, looking most dangerous when their backline combined with their pace and footwork. The entire back three of Gloucester, Dunn, Stanton & Morris, continually threatened throughout the game, and will be bright prospects for the future to fit into the squad already littered with talented backs.

             Leicester produced an outstanding display straight from the kick-off. The entire squad deserve a huge deal of credit for the intensity in which they played. They continually dominated the tackle area and breakdown, as well as proving clinical in attack. It was a very complete performance from an age-group side, one that senior sides would be proud of. The performance was littered with outstanding individual performances, but honourable mention goes to full-back Freddie Steward, who continued to cause problems for the Gloucester defence with his power, pace and running lines. The standout performance, however, came from fly-half Sam Costelow, who controlled proceedings with his pinpoint accurate kicking from hand, excellent goal-kicking, mature decision making and outstanding distribution. Leicester will be thrilled with the style in which they secured this victory and will hope to nail down some of the key figures for senior academy contracts.