Report: Bristol Bears U18s 13-5 Northampton Saints U18s

Sunday, February 27th 2022

Bristol Bears U18s secured their status as national champions in a historic night for the club, overcoming Northampton Saints 13-5 at Sixways in the U18 Academy Final.

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The Cubs - who completed the campaign with a 100% record and seven straight victories - controlled a scrappy affair as Louis Trevett's early score and eight points from the boot of Sam Worsley confirmed a nailbiting victory.

Bears were trailing when Saints winger Frankie Sleightholme dabbed down, but an assured second half display saw Gethin Watt's side seal a first ever title in front of a raucous travelling support.

What happened?

The Cubs started superbly as Ed Harvey and Lucas Berti went close in quick succession, but it was Northampton Saints who struck first when Frankie Sleightholme rounded off a fluid counter attack to cross in the corner for an unconverted score.

Bears hit back with a series of driving line outs and, after a spell of concerted pressure, loosehead Louis Trevett rumbled over to edge his side ahead inside the opening quarter.

After the interval, Sam Worsley struck two further penalties as Bears - through a combination of forward dominance and defensive character - applied the pressure to the Saints set piece and breakdown.

As the final whistle blew at Sixways, Bristol's young charges celebrated a dogged win to round off a stunning campaign, which saw Bears unbeaten in the U18s competition and National Champions for the first time.

Bristol Bears U18s: Hamid, Lacey, Campbell Wu, Berti, Ormsby, Worsley, Carter; Trevett, Randall, Halliwell, Thraves, Pearce, Tull (c), Gardner, Harvey.

Replacements: Davey, Marsden, Moran, Paramore, Cox, Price, Hawkins, Davies.

Tries: Trevett 18

Con: Worsley 18

Pen: Worsley 46, 54

Hell of a journey for this Academy! 🐾

The future is 𝗯𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁! 🐻#BristolBears | #Under18sFinalsDay pic.twitter.com/nNq8Bosjl5
— Bristol Bears 🐻 (@BristolBears) February 27, 2022