In the group stages we saw some great rugby from Stockport. First up was a win against West Park Leeds B, Mike being fed by Captain on the day Max to score from the first kick off. A yellow card from the normally quiet Jack Wright put us under pressure, but off to a comfortable win

Second up Didsbury – Mike does it again from the kick off to set us off on another good win. Alex gets his first start after leaving his shirt at home (well done Dad).The first set back with an injury to Ben, fortunately not needing one of the 9 ambulances of the day, but enough to see him take an early bath.

Third game was a sterner test against the County Champions Lymm which saw our first defeat, despite valiant defence, particularly by Hendrik. We tried to give a rest to a couple of players and limit injuries but this failed badly with an injury to Jack (ankle)

The following game was against Wilmslow and having to try and rotate an already small squad, Jack tried to play on but the ankle was causing problems. We were in danger of losing to Wilmslow for the first time since mini rugby when Jake Lloyd received the ball in the dying seconds, spotted a gap and sprinted through the middle of the defence to score under the post with the last play of the match to win the game.

To win or not to win, the final group game came against Camp Hill from the West Midlands, sporting a camouflage kit like Stockport but looking like Hazel Grove High Street on a Saturday night. We knew a victory would put us into the cups against Rugby Bums, defeat might give us a chance in the Plate. After a shaky start we were 7-5 down at half time, Jack went home injured. The team talk at half time set the tone for the second half. A swan dive try, by Mike was followed by tries from Guy with a forward roll and one of the most amazing sights of the day. Matt picked up the ball from the back of the ruck saw the open blind side and sprint over the line unopposed. Getting over the try line seem to shock Matt who scored his first ever try for the club.

The organisers did not seem to make allowance for Stockport having just come off the pitch because PA announcement was made for us to play our Quarter Final match back to back against the Rugby Bums. I did try and find out a bit about this team, they were a bunch of Rugby Bums Ambassadors who were group together particularly to play this events. It included players from Bath Youth, Longlevens, Milfield School and amongst their player were the sons of former international players. They were the nearest things to a professional Under 15s side you could get.

Losing to this team with the small squad (only 8 still standing) was no shame. Mike did us proud by showing his ability to score against this side that went on to comfortably win the tournament. A couple of unfortunate bounces stopped us respecting the feat. I’m sure all the players will have enjoyed the experience of playing in that quarter final.