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Matson’s youngsters grab County Cup glory

Author: Roger Jackson, Posted: Friday, 20th April 2018, 09:00

Matson Under-17s celebrate winning the County Cup. Picture, Shaun Lafferty

Matson are the County Under-17 Cup kings after defeating Clifton in a thrilling final at Hartpury.

The Gloucester club won 11-10 and it was as tight as the scoreline suggests with Clifton having a try disallowed in the closing moments because of a forward pass.

It was Clifton who took an early grip on the game, scoring an unconverted try in the opening few minutes.

Matson were level before the break, however, with wing Josh Claxton touching down in the corner.

The second half saw Clifton regain the advantage with a second try but although it was the Bristol club who were doing most of the attacking, Matson stood firm – “Our defence was excellent,” said coach Lee Bayliss – and they slowly clawed their way back into the game.

Skipper Brooklyn Turner, who started the game at full-back before switching to scrum-half and then into the centre, cut the deficit to two points with a penalty and 15 minutes from time he put his side in front for the first time when he slotted a second penalty.

It was a special win for Matson because the team were only put together last season, but have certainly prospered under the keen eye of Bayliss.

“We started with eight players,” said Bayliss, “but within a few weeks we had 24. It’s incredible how many kids just want to play rugby.

“They are a fantastic bunch and I’m gutted that they will be moving up to adult rugby next season.”

Matson’s under-16s will be hoping to make it a County Cup double a week on Sunday when they play Old Patesians in the final, also at Hartpury.

It is a repeat of last season’s under-15 final which Matson won.

Meanwhile, Matson’s under-14s are through to the County Plate final. They take on Bredon Star at Hartpury on Sunday.

Other Images

Brooklyn Turner captained Matson to County Cup success. Picture, Shaun Lafferty

Kian Bayliss makes a break for Matson against Clifton. Picture, Shaun Lafferty

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