A classy performance from the Stortford Boys brought the 2025 season to a close in impressive style. Having comfortably won both of our group games we reached the final against Nuneaton who had eliminated a well fancied Bournemouth side. The hosts included a number of Bath Academy players in their ranks but were out-muscled by the feisty midland side, losing their ill-tempered final group game by 2 tries to 1.

Knowing this was their final match in youth rugby, the boys in blue lined up determined to sign off with a trophy, and drew inspiration from a boisterous and hostile crowd. It didn't take long for us to silence the ill-mannered supporters as we quickly settled well into our flowing rugby, calmly moved the ball and began piling on the points. In all we ran in seven tries with our rather aggressive and disillusioned opposition failing to land any significant blows or even threaten our 22 never mind our try line on what must have been a rather embarrassing day for their players and coaches. Despite numerous cheap shots and handbags that saw 3 opposition players dismissed late in the game, our lads maintained their composure and showed our class.

Jasper finished off our season in usual style, with our gutsy loose head maintaining his tour kicking record....although this effort was unlucky not to go over after striking the post.

We would like to thank our hosts at Bournemouth RFC for the fantastic reception we received from their whole club; many members sought us out to congratulate us on a fine victory and the way we had conducted ourselves. We would also like to thank the coaches and players from Dover RFC who, with a little encouragement from Greer, drown out much of the bitter and embarrassing chants from opposition supporters during the match. Well played lads, rugby won the day!