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Old Patesians Rugby Club under-16s win County Cup and share under-14 trophy

All Areas > Sport > Rugby Union

Author: Roger Jackson, Posted: Wednesday, 3rd May 2017, 11:10, Tags: Junior Sport

Archie Benson was outstanding in the lineout Archie Benson was outstanding in the lineout

Old Patesians’ youngsters won one trophy and shared another on County Cup finals day at Hartpury.

Their under-16s defeated Clifton 21-10 while their under-14s drew 19-19, also with Clifton, to share the trophy.

They were unable to make it a hat-trick of trophy wins, however, as their under-15s lost narrowly to Matson 17-14.

Joe Hocking was the star of the show in the under-16 final as he ran in three tries. The openside flanker was in the right place at the right time as the club retained the trophy they won last year.

Pats were out of the traps from the first whistle and 10 minutes of early pressure was rewarded when Hocking drove over from seven yards in the corner.

Clifton replied with a penalty but Hocking scored his second try before half-time and completed his hat-trick after the break. A 25-metre drop goal by fly-half Isaac Marsh and a monster penalty from halfway by centre Charlie Crawford put them 18 points clear before Clifton scored a consolation converted try.

While Hocking will deservedly gain the plaudits, Pats junior chairman Matt Cape was keen to stress that it was a team effort.

“They had a much bigger pack than us but were supreme in the lineout,” he said. “We won all our own throws and 50 per cent of theirs.”

Hooker Stan Cape and jumpers Ben Fidler and Archie Benson must take the credit as Pats won 100 per cent of their own ball and 50 per cent of Clifton’s throw-ins.

Cape added: “Marsh had a fantastic tactical game particularly in the first half. His tactical kicking from hand, distribution and dropped goal was pivotal in building pressure and establishing a lead which was maintained for the whole game.

“Joe Hocking was dynamic in all aspects of the game. He showed deft handling skills linking with the backs, defended strongly and won numerous turnovers.”

The Pats under-14s were also quick out of the traps in their final but unfortunately could not hang on to their advantage.

With a strong wind at their backs they were ahead early on. A catch and drive provided good ball which was sent out wide for Lucas Burgess to break through and score. Gus Bygrave converted.

More good pressure from repeated Clifton indiscretions enabled Fin Mellis to crash over for try number two with Bygrave again converting.

Clifton’s strong forward pack took advantage of Pats’ inability to clear their lines and a catch and drive gave them an unconverted try to leave them trailing 14-5 at half-time.

Facing the breeze, the Pats found it tougher after the break and Clifton cut the deficit with a converted try.

Pats responded well and moved back up the pitch. They protected the ball for a significant period, enabling Sam Cox to sneak the ball over for a try from close range.

Unfortunately they were unable to hold onto their advantage as another converted try for Clifton brought the scores level and ensured honours were shared.

The defeat for the under-15s did not take the gloss off the day for Cape who said it had been a “fantastic day” for Pats. “To have teams in all three finals and to win two of them is great for the club,” he said.

Other Images

Ben Fidler in commanding form for the Pats
Joe Hocking goes over for one of his three tries
Joe Hocking
Harrison Robins clearing out a ruck
Theo Moylan
Harry Trotman gone to ground supported by (left to right) Isaac Marsh, Tom Ryder & Charlie Crawford

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