5 of our U16 squad traveled to Tarleton for the Regional Final of the National Knockout Bowl competition. James Cowen not only played every position in the back row but also scored the only try of the game midway through the first half. William Reid and James King each played a full game on either wing, both impressing. James was only just hauled down on the 22 having left several defenders in his wake after a mercurial run from a tight position while William made several excellent tackles, including a certain try saving one in the first half, and was always on hand with effective tidying up work when required. Max Caplin, also starting, was quietly efficient at outside centre making the important tackles without ever quite been able to break the line himself in a game of little space. Andy Rowbotham had to wait patiently for his opportunity, eventually coming on late in the second half at scrum half, but looking every bit the part and helping to ensure that Is saw out the game without incident.

The experience will help to develop our squad as we start to look to next season. It it not just that those that played proved themselves to be well up to the task, but there were at least as many who did not play this time who would have been just as much at home. It means we can look forward to next season with excitement.