Sherborne: 5

Canford: 15

Try: Joseph H

The JCA XV ended its season as it began with another narrow loss on Saturday, but they should be very proud of their efforts in a full-blooded contest against a strong Canford side that has advanced to the last 16 of the Under 15 National Cup.

Playing away under the whistle of former England and Bristish Lions forward Tony D, the boys in blue started well but were unable to turn early pressure into points - something of a theme this season. Canford grew into the game and, after 10 minutes, scored from a well-worked lineout drive, leading to a sustained period of pressure from the home side. With much of the second quarter spent in desperate defence, Sherborne looked to have weathered the storm, only for our hosts to score again with the interval looming.

A 10-point deficit at the break perhaps flattered the opposition and Joe H try shortly thereafter - again from a close-range lineout - certainly set up a titanic battle for the remainder of the half. Unfortunately, Canford's composure on the ball and recent winning run gave them the confidence to keep their noses in front; following another brave goal line stand in which Henry C, Jem L and Hugo T were particularly prominent, they scored a third try to reassert their 10-point lead. Despite some buccaneering runs by Alistair D and Arlo F, and some more subtle shuffles from Albi R, the striped defence held firm, condemning the boys to another defeat in which one more score would have made all the difference.

So the curtain comes down on a season which, judged purely on results, might feel a little disappointing. However, to do so would be to ignore both the narrow margins of several of those results, but also - and far more importantly - the real gains made in terms of skills, game awareness and the sense of teamship. The boys have displayed tremendous character and commitment over the term, for which Mr Scott and I are very grateful, and we very much look forward to following their progress over the coming years. Thank you also to the incredibly loyal band of parents on the touchline - your support and good company has always been very much appreciated.

Man of the Match: Alistair D - so many yards covered, in both attack and defence!