Another two Berkshire RFU age groups were in action over the weekend.
BERKSHIRE U20s
Berkshire U20’s vs Devon U20s
15th March 2020
The Berkshire U20s played their last game of the Jason Leonard U20s Championship against in the wet and wind at Rams RFC against high flying Devon RFU side who only needed a win to take the Pool title and progress into the quarter finals. The Berkshire team after a two losses to both Cornwall and narrow loss to Gloucestershire needed a win and other results to go their way to avoid the drop to Division 2 next season.
From the kick off the Berkshire side showed their game plan and were rewarded with early forward dominance with a try in the first 10 minutes. They continued to press in the first half and went in at halftime 14-0 up.
Devon came out revitalised and put the press on early to gain turnover ball and were rewarded with a try to make the game 14-7. This was to be the closest that the Devon side came to the Berkshire side as they regrouped and they able to demonstrate their strength in the scrum and around the loose with Man of the Match #2 Max Hayman creating a nuisance of himself at every opportunity.
Another try followed and then with the clock almost up the Berkshire #8 Ollie Tack made a sublime grubber kick through when the outside pass appeared to be the obvious option to then beat the cover defence and slide in with the kick to follow to complete a 26-7 win.
Unfortunately results did not go their way and Cornwall U20s had a late surge to win at Gloucester (27-31) to move from 3rd to take the Pool title and progress to the quarter final resulting in Berkshire being relegated to Division 2 next season.
BERKSHIRE U15s
Berkshire U15 s Bucks U15s
15th March 2020
Berkshire U15s played a Buckinghamshire U15s side in deteriorating windy and wet conditions but with the slight benefit of the Maidenhead RFC AGP pitch.
The Berkshire squad numbered 30 players which resulted in all players getting 50% gametime (so new team at half time). Bucks had as squad of 23. Despite the weather and the change of squad the game was played at a good tempo and Bucks were able to come out on top 7-17.
The focus on the Berkshire coaches to give as much game time and development should provide a great platform for future growth with limited county fixtures. We are sure that the players will take the positive experience back to their local clubs.
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