Defending National Under 20's Rugby Union Champions Yorkshire suffered a rare defeat in Pool 1 of this season's competition suffering a 28-5 loss to Cheshire in a game played in wet muddy conditions at The Memorial Ground
Wilmslow.
The decisive Cheshire 'Win' was undoubtedly the culmination of many weeks of hard work and training, entering this fixture very much as under-dogs. A reflection of the investment of resources, venues, commitment by players and
coaching, unleashed a Cheshire RFU team that were hungry and keen to show their cohesive and destructive ability.
Cheshire are now assured of qualification for the National quarter finals on April 7th.
Each and every individual Cheshire players could walk off that pitch with head held high, not only for stirling individual performances but a text book demonstration of 'team skills' and an ability to 'change' when required to play 'steadfast and true' within the true spirit of the game we all love.
This particular Cheshire team, unlike some previous years was determined, forceful, persistent and resolute in their staunch relentless attack on Yorkshire. The result speaks for itself.
It has been some time since Cheshire made conquest over Yorkshire and, although a significant accomplishment, the team are not complacent keep and remain humble, regrouped and prepared for the quarter final fixture. This is a
must see event. (venue TBA depending on other fixtures).
There has been significant value this year from the supporting input and commitment from team manager's Paul Langton, Ian Stanton and a particularly high investment of time and coaching skills provided by Giles Heagerty and his support team to effectively transfer working skills to effective confident passages of play.
Wilmslow Rugby Club were fortunate enough to be well represented in this years under 20's campaign, with appearances by; Olly McCall ( fly half), Olly Chambers (scrum half), Ben Jones ( 2nd Row) and Mark Williams (prop). The qualifying game at Northumberland also featured Wilmslow player Ed Finch (prop) who was not available for the Yorkshire game.
A great result for Cheshire U20'team, but the best is yet to come. Come along support local players and your county team.
Match report by Nick Jones, Wilmslow RUFC.
Photo: Four young Wolves in the Cheshire squad. (l-r) Ben Jones, Mark Williams, Olly McCall and Olly Parkinson.
