Berkshire RFU U20 continued this seasons advance with a convincing win over local county rivals Surrey U20s in the quarter finals of the 2022 Jason Leonard U20 Championships.
The side featured players from Rams, Maidenhead , Ealing Trailfinders (Brunel Uni & Henley College), University of Reading, Bracknell, University of Exeter, Reading Abbey, Oxford Quins and Thatcham, with many of them coming through from the Berkshire U18 squad two years ago and some making their debuts.
MATCH
On a bright day, dry pitch and in front of a good crowd Berkshire started the faster but for a few missed passes they could not capitalise on their initial pressure. In fact it was Surrey opened the scoring when after absorbing the pressure a poor clearance kick by Berkshire was collected by the Surrey #11 who beat his man and ran 70 metres down to beat the cover defence and score in the great try in the corner.
This brought the game to life as the now the Berkshire team needed to execute from their possession. Midway through the first half the Berkshire U20s started to put their game together and some strong phased forward drives gave them a good platform from which Scott Harman switching wings looking for work to scored out wide. Shortly later a yellow to Surrey #9 resulted in further pressure and two further tries and a penalty for Berkshire to go in 22-7 at the break.
The game started in the second half as a if it were a 0-0 scoreline with both teams resetting and it was Surrey who after some pressure made the breakthrough and the game looked back on as they scored to make it 22-14. However, Berkshire regrouped and continued pressure from their back row with Riles and Studd performing well resulted in another score to make it 29-14.
The best was yet to come though. The first of two tries came when first Spencer Hayhow (hooker) found himself picking up a loose ball. He quickly gathered and was off to the races, stepping the first man and then running 50 metres to beat the defenders and touch down (34-14).
From the restart Berkshire were now looking to move the ball and phased moves from right to left resulted in a clean break from the Berkshire centre but with some work to do. With some great footwork from halfway he managed to step several players and score under the posts to make the score 41-14.
Surrey U20s were still not finished or outdone and came straight back to have the last word of the afternoon with several strong forward drives resulting in a phased pick and go move to score the final try (unconverted) to make the final score 41-19 .
Well played to both teams.
Teams left in the semi-finals are; Northumberland, Durham and Essex.
THANKS TO TIM PITFIELD FOR THE PHOTOGRAPHY AND RAMS RFC FOR HOSTING THE COUNTY TEAM.
For more details on the fixtures and honours players that have come through the Un20 programme go to the Berkshire U20 County Page (link at the bottom).
Berkshire RFU would like to extend our gratitude to all the clubs, coaches, referees and supporting volunteers across the county who have developed and inspired these young players during their formative years to reach this highly respected honour in representing the county – You make a difference!
Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship.
SEE THE COUNTY UNDER 20 PAGE TO SEE THE FULL SEASONS FIXTURES
https://www.berksrfu.com/senior/berkshire-u20s-rugby/
