Stourport High School, Warriors’ AASE team, emerged with plenty of credit from a 24-14 defeat at Beechen Cliff School – their Bath counterparts.
Beechen Cliff have been one of the stronger AASE League teams in recent years but Stourport pushed them hard and only conceded defeat late in the game.
Stourport dominated the early scrums but failed to capitalise on the attacking platform provided by the forwards and it was Beechen Cliff who took the lead with an unconverted breakaway try against the run of play.
Beechen Cliff added a converted try soon after but resolute defence from Stourport, with Cheick Kone and Tom Hones to the fore, kept the hosts at bay.
Stourport started the second half strongly with kicks from Jonty Monk and Jai Crippin pinning Beechen Cliff in their own 22. From a scrum close to line Fergus Downes powered over from close range to score with Crippin converting.
Stourport’s half-backs again used the boot to turn Beechen and make good territory and a strong scrum gave the backs an opportunity close to line.
Ben Ralph was halted just short of the line but prop Harrison Kerr-Jones came around the corner at pace to blast over the line and Crippin added the extras to give Stourport the lead.
Beechen Cliff responded with some impressive defensive line-speed which forced a turnover. The he ball was moved quickly out wide for an unconverted try.
Stourport again took the attack to Beechen Cliff but possession was again turned over and Beechen Cliff were quick to turn defence into attack by scoring a converted try.