Rugby: Cheshire U20s runners up in national championship

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Cheshire U20's runners up in national championship at Twickenham final on Saturday, 4th May.

Four Wilmslow players, Mark Williams, Olly McCall, Ben Jones and Max Harvey made this national final, unfortunately injury to Ollie Chambers (shoulder) and George Drury ( knee) spoilt their further involvement.

From the forty-two counties of England, second place in a national championship rugby completion is by all accounts a significant achievement, and on route in this campaign further Wilmslow players Ed Finch and Joe Heagerty played their part.

The last time our small county successfully achieved this prized accolade was 2005, when fellow cestrian and current London-Welsh fly half Alex Davies, made his mark on the national stage at Rugby headquarters. That 2005 team (as with this) was supported by Paul Langton (current U20 Chairman) and David Ewing ( Cheshire Exec and RFU County Rep), both had invested significant time effort and resources then, and now, securing infrastructure, support and commitment from the coaching team and the unsung back room staff, all to ensure 'Team Cheshire' reached this final once more.

It was no surprise that a pre-game team talk by Alex Davies to his county colleagues was gratefully received by a tightly formed group of players who confirmed the one objective sought by all. Pride and passion were never in doubt. There was only one prize sought and each individual knew it well alongside their particular expected task.

Sir Clive Woodward in his campaign once said "It's a happy changing room, but.... we came here to win ..... not to come second" That was certainly the same message and only objective from coach Giles Heagerty and manager Ian Stanton to their 2013 team.

Unfortunately a keen Berkshire squad had similar aims and were able to monopolise on some unforced Cheshire errors. The game was unfortunately blighted by two nasty injuries. Ten minutes before half time, when Cheshire fly half Callum Yates was carried from the field of play requiring immediate surgery to a particularly nasty mouth injury. This was also a reminder to us all of the importance on having the correct safety equipment when engaged in training or game time. Should this injury have occurred without a 'gum shield' the results could have been considerably more serious. This was then followed by a fractured eye socket to Cheshire centre Mike Kaciubskyj. The immediate support from Twickenham doctors and medical team was first rate, and a note of thanks must be made to them, and a speedy recovery wished to our players.

Events of this nature are unfortunate, unwanted but were disruptive to Cheshire momentum. The 30-17 result may have gone against Cheshire's best efforts and although it was 'not to be' our day, it would be unfair not to acknowledge Berkshire's ability to gain the tactical edge. Cheshire, graciously received their 'runners up' medals and in the true spirit of this wonderful game soon sharing a 'beer' and 'banter' with their Berkshire opposite numbers.

As the Cheshire Chairman stated in his post match address "It has been too long since 2005 for Cheshire to be at this national under 20's final, and it will not be so long before we are back here again". This clearly set the new objective for 2013/14 season, and our county's clubs have the players available to build on this foundation stone now laid to make this achievable.

On a serious note, this was the last county representative game for a number of the young cestrians as they now fall outside the age criterion. A large thanks must be made to them all, not only for returning from universities and work commitments all over the UK to both train and play, but for creating the atmosphere of success amongst their peers. The camaraderie continues and the opportunity now exists for similar young high performance players to step into the breech next season.

A period of analysis is ongoing, alongside recuperation and whilst some may turn to the sound of 'wood on willow' the wheels are in motion to achieve the marginal gains that make such a difference. It will be no substitute for the significant achievements identified here but the spirit of this teams determination must continue.

Particular thanks must also go to the travelling contingent of Cheshire supporters, players and parents who made the Twickenham journey providing vocal support and encouragement when it was most needed.

The challenge has now been set for next season, the infrastructure, standards and hard yards have been done, next year's campaign as with this, will not be for the feint hearted. Although the squad may be back at the start line for the next race, how they prepare and get ready will be important, but have belief... This is an achievable task !

Well done U20's team of 2013.

Match report by Nick Jones.

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Rugby
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