The under 16s served up a fantastic advert for youth rugby in the Ladies Day curtain raiser on the First XV pitch. Our visitors from Felixstowe proved ideal opposition for what turned out to be a highly competitive fixture.

A nervy opening from the home side was eventually settled on 5 mins when a break down our right flank found Billy in space and his excellent support run was reward with our opening try....whether his swan dive was truly necessary is up for debate! Two solid defences fought wave after wave of attack, and the next score didn't come until the 27th minute when Felixstowe got onto the scoresheet with a converted try. Stortford's response was quick, and our much changed pack fought hard to gain possession and territory. Driving down the middle of the pitch, a break from Fab fed the ball to Billy who threw a fabulous NFL style pass out to Matt F out on the wing; Matt did what he does and the winger thundered through to score in the corner. We headed into the break with a slender 10-7 lead but confidence was high.

The second half proved a more open affair and a wonderful piece of flowing rugby led to a lovely break from Samuel F who fed his mate Billy with a beautifully timed offload, and the Number 8 crossed for a deserved second try. The intensity and emotion began to drain from Stortford and Felixstowe scored before a brilliant line break from Fabian saw our star centre score under the posts and convert his own try to give us a commanding 22-12 lead.

This should have spurred us on to victory, however our confidence appeared to be waning, and the free flowing, expansive rugby of the first half that had proved successful gave way to a narrow defensive approach that placed us on the back foot. The visitors scored twice in 5 minutes to obliterate our lead and turn the score around to 22-24 before Carter fought his way through to regain our lead. In a ding-dong of a finish the match could have gone either way. Unfortunately it was Felixstowe who snatched the final score and their impressive fly-half took control and ran down the clock to finish 27-31 winners.

A disappointing end to great game of rugby was soon forgotten as players, coaches and supporters headed off to enjoy the Ladies Day festivities. A strong contingent from Felixstowe took tables for lunch in both the marquee and the Stoke's room as our guested sampled the best Bishop's Stortford Rugby Club has to offer. Judging by the smiles on their faces we did not disappoint!

Star player could have gone to many of today's team; Tom N stepped up brilliantly and barely put a foot wrong as he proved a solid addition to our lineout, Sam F's move to the back row delivered another commanding performance and underlined his flexibility and both Fab and Carter showed their class in our midfield. After discussion with the Felixstowe team the award went to Billy for his relentless effort, two tries and champagne pass out to Matt, well played mate.

Felixstowe do not have a Colt's set up, and this could be the last time we play each other as an age group. Having met several times on our journey, both sets of coaches and players have formed strong bonds and friendships. They are a club who share our values and approach to the game and we share many fond memories, not least the sight of all of the Felixstowe players, parents and coaches cheering us on to victory in the Colchester festival last year! We wish you well, and who knows maybe one or two of those big forwards may turn out in Nat 1 in our blue shirts some day! Go well guys and best wishes for your future in this great sport.