In Friday's high-stakes final of the Bob Coward U18's cup, the Old Leamingtonians Colts approached the game with unwavering confidence. Arriving at Broadstreets ground accompanied by a cheering throng of supporters, they exuded determination. Amidst the swelling crowds during warm-ups, anticipation bubbled within the squad. Once the match commenced, both Old Leamingtonians and Broadstreet showcased impressive defensive prowess, sizing each other up with robust physicality.

Before long, a well-timed penalty created an opening in the defense, allowing Old Leamingtonians' swift inside center, Ollie Farquharson, to score in the corner. Lucas Howell's precise conversion from the far touchline extended their lead. This was followed by a concerted attack led by scrum-half George Pelter, resulting in a try beneath the posts, expertly finished off by captain Charlie Bartlett, bringing the halftime score to 14-0 in favor of Old Leamingtonians.

As the second half commenced, the intensity remained palpable, with both teams fiercely contesting every inch of the field. In a thrilling turn of events, a intercepted pass by a Broadstreet player led to a length-of-the-field try, closing the gap to 14-12. Another hard-fought try by Broadstreet further narrowed the scoreline, signaling a potential shift in momentum.

However, Old Leamingtonians responded resolutely, earning a penalty near the halfway line, which Lucas Howells capitalized on with another flawless kick, extending their lead. Ollie Farquharson's second try of the game, scored out wide, further cemented their dominance. Despite Broadstreet's persistent efforts, the game concluded with a final try from Old Leamingtonians' number 8, Patrick Errington, securing their victory.

It was a contest that showcased the best of Warwickshire rugby, played with unwavering determination and sportsmanship. Both teams demonstrated immense pride in their efforts, leaving everything on the pitch in a thrilling display of skill and spirit.

Both sets of coaches added "we are so immensely proud of the way their respective teams had played, the camaraderie and the respect shown to plays officials was superb." Tim Perkins, OLRFC Colts Team Manager said "Broadstreet should be incredibly proud of the way they performed, but ultimately the commitment of OL's team to stick to the task and their ability to react and create opportunity to play stood out on the night and the way the whole Old Leamingtonians squad, with support from coaches, physio and supporting friends and family played the game with intent, they did the club proud, and they rightly celebrated well into the night."

Post-match analysis from Director of Mens Rugby at OLRFC, Scott Craig "The Colts win over Broadstreet in the Warwickshire Cup final demonstrates the continued development of youth rugby at Old Leamingtonians. The Colts win on Friday is the 3rd time OLS have lifted the cup in 5 seasons of rugby. Previously won in 2018 and 2019 and then the impact of Covid. It is fantastic for Ols rugby across the board and particularly pleasing to see the exciting manner in which the Colts team won the final. They made us very proud of the fast exciting structured play that they displayed in winning the game and particularly taking control from the early stages of the game. Broadstreet were no easy challenge particularly on their own ground and showed times when they were very dangerous in trying to get back into the game.

Since watching the Qtr final , I have seen the confidence of the team develop , the players have shown an eagerness to get involved with the mens senior section on training and this strength and development has built through the Semi and they really did win the final based on their own strength , confidence and game plan execution. The support from the Coaching team of the Colts was also demonstration of how important Youth rugby is at OLS and how important we see this Colts section as a pathway through to the Mens senior rugby and hopefully provide the young Colts players with awesome memories of the cup final win but also the development of character for the players in setting their goals and being confident to go achieve.

I think it is also important to highlight how much support the club also put behind the Colts in that victory and I thank every OLS supporter who went over to the final. Gold and Blue were certainly the strongest support too.

But primarily , thanks to the Colts players who showed confidence , grit and determination , along with executing entertaining rugby and representing themselves and the club in the best possible way."

#Gold and Blue.