Holder Hartpury to face Oaklands in RFU AASE Championship Final
Apr
Last season’s inaugural AASE League winners Hartpury College boasted current England U20 regulars Ryan Mills and Dan Robson in their ranks, but even without the pair, the Gloucestershire school have once again produced another outstanding season, finishing undefeated in the North group.
Hartpury saw off the challenge of Ivybridge Community College in the semi-finals, and despite Ivybridge showing immense courage, Hartpury ran out eventual 35-11 winners.
Hartpury’s final opponents, Oaklands College, have had a slightly different route through to Twickenham. After finishing second in the North group on bonus points, Oaklands had to travel away to South group table-toppers St Paul’s Catholic College in the semis.
Oaklands started stronger and ran into an early 13-3 lead but St Paul’s came back in the second half and scored a late converted try to get within three points of the visitors.
With the game on a knife-edge at 13-10, Oaklands conceded a last minute penalty and with everyone on the edge of their seats, the St Paul’s kicker lined up the penalty goal to level the game. From a difficult distance and angle, the ball just dropped short to seal an Oaklands win and a place in the Championship final at Twickenham.
RFU AASE Finals details, April 27
RFU AASE Bowl Final
Exeter College vs Twyford C of E High School (Grasshoppers RFC, ko 1pm)
RFU AASE Plate Final
Moulton College vs Myerscough College (Grasshoppers RFC, ko 1pm)
Entry: Free
RFU AASE Championship Final
Hartpury College vs Oaklands College (Twickenham Stadium, ko 5pm)
Entry: Adults £5, Juniors (U12) free
