U17's Semi-Final

National U17's

North versus Midlands semi final.

WRFC U17s, Midlands Champions, played Lymm RFC U17s at Doncaster Rugby Club

For once the squad was vitually injury free to allow selection of their strongest side, to play against a team who they had not played previously.  Conditions were hazy with a blustery wind blowing down the pitch. Having won the toss WRFC elected to play with the wind behind them.

Lymm started very strongly and Worcester struggled to get any possession,  After 4 minutes the Lymm forwards, with a driving maul, scored a try in the corner which they were unable to convert.  This spurred Worcester on and they then had decent

possession and territory for sustained periods but excellent kicking by Lymm forced them back time aftertime.

Worcester now started to play and sustained pressure from backs and forwards enabled Tom Gammond to go over close to the corner for a try  after 30 minutes which Lightowler converted.  Lymm responded by kicking  a penalty under the posts, WRFC being offside at a ruck.  And so at half time, the score was WRFC 7- 8 Lymm.

In the second half the Worcester forwards dominance in the scrum started to pay dividends and they spoilt Lymm's game plan by taking out their strong running No.8.  The contest was proving to be a physical (but fair) one and Worcester lost their Captain and open side flanker Jake Abbott with an ankle injury, causing Pomeroy to drop back from lock to the back row.  Van Vuuren came on into the second row and Campbell replaced Drew at prop.  This disruption caused a lapse of concentration and a charged down kick gave Lymm their second try which again they failed to convert.  Worcester continued to play good rugby but failed to convert territory into points.  With the advantage of the wind, Lymm kicked themselves out of trouble and on 55 minutes they scored their third try under the posts which was duly converted.

Worcester kept their heads up and continued to play attacking rugby.  Despite being 13 points adrift with 9 minutes remaining they showed great character and determination.  A series of rampaging runs through the middle by Campbell enabled Gammond to go over for his second try and Lightowler added the 2 points.

From the restart Worcester chased and stole the ball at the ruck, only to be adjudged to have knocked on.  Having moved the scrum at will throughout the game, this one remained solid, but under pressure from Worcester's back row, Lymm kicked the ball straight into touch.  With seconds remaining the ball was moved wide from the

lineout.  Drives first by Campbell then by Gammond failed to cross the line.  Then, showing enormous strength, Barkley picked up the ball, managed to twist out of two tackles and ground the ball.  With the last kick of the day, Lightowler slotted the conversion from out wide against a strong wind; the squad and following supporters went wild as the referee blew for no time. WRFC 21 - 20 Lymm RFC

Lymm took the result with great dignity having lost to a Worcester side that simply would not accept defeat.

Now for the final at Sixways on 1st May

LET'S MAKE SURE WE SUPPORT THEM!!!!