Sherborne 17

Cheltenham 14

Tries: Henry M, Charlie W, Ben L

Con: Edwin L

The Junior Colts A XV scored a try from the very last play of the game to beat Cheltenham on Saturday, coming from behind in a game where, for much of the time, they had looked well-beaten.

In wet and windy conditions, a high error count looked inevitable and so it proved. The home side started the stronger and could have scored a couple of times before Henry M eventually crossed the line after ten minutes. At this stage, Sherborne were utterly dominant but Cheltenham now started to play the percentages, utilising the wind and spending most of the second quarter camped in the home 22. From there, they launched a sustained period of pressure, culminating in two converted tries and a 14-5 lead at the interval.

The game now took a strange turn as both sides struggled to impose themselves or to play with any real fluency or accuracy, especially at the breakdown. Nonetheless, it was the light blues who scored next as Charlie W capitalised from close range, leading to some signs of panic and rather ill-considered decision-making in our visitors' ranks. They seemed, though, to have done enough to make the game safe, not least in repulsing a series of Sherborne attacks in which several players went close. However, a 5-metre scrum after a well-contested high kick saw the boys in blue launch one final desperate attack as the clock ticked into the red zone. Stanley H did really well to regain possession in the midfield before Ben L skated home - amidst scenes of utter delirium - in the open spaces out wide. Edwin L conversion went over off the bar to add a final gloss and send our visitors back home to Gloucestershire in desolate fashion.

In truth, this was an error-strewn game in which quality often played second fiddle to endeavour, but there can be no faulting the boys' effort and desire. Ultimately, it was this which saw them home - a real testament to the team spirit which has developed over the term. Now, just one game remains, away to Canford next Saturday. A third consecutive win - and some local bragging rights - would be a lovely way to end the season; we hope you can join us.

Man of the Match: Arlo F - an enormous presence throughout the game and an absolute monster on the charge!