The AASE trophy was lifted following a season in which the Hartpury team have beaten Whitgift, the Daily Mail champions, Millfield and Coleg Sir Gar, the Welsh Colleges champions. Hartpury didn't lose a single game and only dropped one point throughout the tournament.
Oaklands exerted some early pressure and converted a penalty to take a 3-0 lead. Hartpury responded with an excellent try from Will Maisey in the corner.
Before half time Tom Heard and Louis Spencer were driven over for tries one of which was converted by Will Maisey. Oaklands came back very strongly in the second half and only some outstanding defending kept them at bay.
Hartpury lost Captain Will Tanner to the sin bin and Oaklands immediately capitalised by scoring an unconverted try. With time running out Oaklands again scored to bring them within four points.
After another successful line out drive Jack Cosgrove took the pressure off by gaining the touchdown. Will Maisey completed the scoring by kicking a penalty in the dying minutes.
Hartpury are now at the very highest levels of UK U18 rugby and the success of this season clearly demonstrates that the college is an outstanding environment for the development of young players and is enjoying a national and growing international reputation for U18 rugby.
Junior Rugby Academy Director Alan Martinovic commented:
"Along with AASE Coach Barry Maddocks we are delighted with the progress of the team. At the start of the year we had talented players but they were young and inexperienced. However, seeing what they have achieved they have exceeded all expectations and winning the AASE League Trophy for the second consecutive year is just the icing on the cake."
