Newbold U17 16 Rugby Lions U17 15

Credit to both sides for this thriller - the lead changed hands five times in this epic match. With the result - and bragging rights - at stake, the last ten minutes were utter chaos - tries, penalties, kicks, missed kicks, charge-downs, yellow cards - it was all happening.

The Lions brought their strongest side of the season to Parkfield Road, but it was Newbold's gritty winger David Busfield who scored first, with a great finish. Craig Murch responded for Lions with a try, then Dan O'Brien slotted a penalty to make it 8-5. Another Murch try gave the Lions a 8-10 lead, and another penalty from O'Brien made it 11-10 going into the last ten minutes. Agonisingly, Murch claimed his hatrick with just three minutes to go, 11-15.

Newbold, playing into a strong wind, somehow found the energy and guts to get up the other end to (surely) secure the win with a try from the fantastic Josh Rogers....but not before enduring the torture of a straight penalty attempt, which blew wide. All of the players from both sides should take credit, but Newbold's Peter Bailey deserves special praise for a magnificent hookers performance.