Harpenden through to National Final
9:47am Thursday 24th April 2008
A strong performance by the front five laid the foundations for Harpenden RFC to defeat Bournemouth 33-20 in the semi-final of the National Under 17 Cup at Henley RFC on Sunday.
The final, on Sunday, May 4, will see Harpenden take on Lancashire club Tarleton at Sixways, home of Guinness Premiership side Worcester Warriors.
Harpenden scored five tries through Jimmy Speirs (2), Tris Francis, Louis Gabriel and Tom Baker, with four conversions kicked by Jack Cook.
Playing at a high tempo, Harpenden's back row regularly crossed the gainline and their backs attacked with flair and pace.
Harpenden took an early lead but had to come back from behind after Bournemouth had forged ahead early in the second half.
Bournemouth had defeated Widdon Old Boys in the South West division final but they were outrun by Harpenden who had won through to represent the London & South East division by beating London Irish Amateurs.
Harpenden: Jimmy Speirs (captain), Sean Longden, Michael Singleton, Toby Turk, Rory Grant, Zac Kent, David Arbuthnott, George Barnes, John Collins, Jack Cook, Tom Rhodes, Louis Gabriel, Dougie Norris, Courtney Dodds, Tris Francis, Joe Beale, Tom Baker, Andrew Brown, Adam Hills, Luke Johnson, Gus Williams and Ali Mills.