The main aim of the tournament was to have the most talented players in the South playing against each other, giving the players the opportunity to experience the demands of higher level rugby and provide an opportunity for England coaches to view the best young talent around. Games were 15 minutes long and played with a 12 aside format.
Gloucester began their tournament campaign against a fast and physical Wasps side. In a game slowed down as a result of handling errors saw little happen from either side.
However gaps in the Gloucester fringe defence saw Wasps go one score up. An excellent solo effort from centre Martin Whitmore saw him go 60 metres to score and ensure a draw.
A disappointing performance by Gloucester and some poor team defence gave Bath a comfortable four try victory in a rain ravaged game on a waterlogged pitch.
Challenged to better themselves, the Gloucester side took to the pitch against Exeter Chiefs determined to show spectators that they are capable of attacking rugby.
Two accomplished team tries finished by Harrison Sayer and Ryan Woodhouse ensured victory and raised expectations of spectators and players alike.
In the fourth game, Gloucester faced a well drilled physically dominant Saracens team who had knocked over their previous opponents with relative ease. Gloucester competed well, ran hard and held out Saracens for over half the game.
Sadly, the accomplished Saracens team effectively wore down the Gloucester defence, utilizing their speedy wingers and bulldozing forwards, notching up a number of scores for a comfortable win.
Gloucester's finest 15 minutes of the day came against a London Irish side who had enjoyed a successful day to this point. Dynamic Gloucester forwards Jack Lewis and Callum Wyman dominated the breakdown and the backs, organised by fly halves Matt Smith and Ollie Locke, exploited the first bit of real space they had seen that day.
After a mazy run accompanied with dummy after dummy, Ryan Woodhouse fed Martin Whitmore who offloaded out of a tackle to supporting loose forward Max Rooley to score.
From this point on, the Irish defence, chasing their tails, worked commendably to keep Gloucester out.
However, Charlie Scott finished well in little space, for Gloucester to win 10 - 0.
In their last game against Harlequins, with player's injured and tired bodies, Gloucester demonstrated some dogged spirit typical of boys in Cherry & White and finished with a no score draw.
Congratulations to all players whom were involved for their efforts and the way they conducted themselves in their first outing representing the Cherry & Whites.
Many thanks to all the supporters who made the trip down to Harrow to support the club and the players.
Words courtesy of John Alder
RESULTS
Vs WASPS 0 - 0
VS BATH 20 - 0
VS EXETER CHIEFS 10 - 5
VS SARACENS 30 - 0
VS LONDON IRISH 10 - 0
VS HARLEQUINS 0 - 0
GLOUCESTER ACADEMY U15s SQUAD:
Ryan Woodhouse (Chosen Hill & Gloucestershire)
Dan Spencer-Tonks (Chosen Hill & Gloucestershire)
Martin Whitmore (St Edwards & Gloucestershire)
Harrison Sayer (Crypt School & Gloucestershire)
Charlie Scott (Sir Thomas Rich's & Gloucestershire)
Julian Osborne (Wycliffe College & Gloucestershire)
Matt Smith (Chosen Hill & Gloucestershire)
Ollie Youngs (Sir Thomas Rich's & Gloucestershire)
Reece Boughton (Beaufort & Gloucestershire)
Ollie Locke (Crypt School & Gloucestershire)
Lance Baynam (Rendcomb College)
Will Hunt (Farmors & Gloucestershire)
Ryan Charles (Beaufort & Gloucestershire)
Ethan Badham (St Peters & Gloucestershire)
Callum Wyman (Dene Magna & Gloucestershire)
Simon Linsell (Marling & Gloucestershire)
Max Rooley (Pates Grammar & Gloucestershire)
Jack Lewis (St Peters & Gloucestershire)
Dewi Cheater (Kings School & Gloucestershire)
Harry Barr (St Peters & Gloucestershire)
Joe Tingle (Lakers School)
