Report: Bristol Bears U18s 22-24 Exeter Chiefs U18s

The young Bears led 22-21 heading into the closing stages before the visitors snatched victory on the final whistle, after tries from Jac Lloyd, Tom Simms and Gabbe Lacey had given them a narrow lead.

Lloyd's opener, which he then converted, was cancelled out by a Chiefs double, as Alex Sheridan and William Cornish touched down.

Simms and Lacey went over in quick succession to edge the Bears into a 19-14 lead, before Ben Parsons went over to swing the match back towards the Chiefs. 

Sam Worsley's penalty turned the tables again to give the Bears a one-point lead, but Iwan Jenkins stepped up to sink the home side on 74 minutes and seal victory for the Chiefs.

Senior Academy Manager, Gethin Watts, said: “Firstly, congratulation to Exeter on what was an excellent game and great advert for this level of rugby. It's particularly disappointing to miss out on winning after the effort the players put in on Friday night.

“There was no surprise about how physical Exeter were and our coaches are extremely proud of how our young team were able to match this particular element of the game.

“It's another great example of how small margins can affect a result, however, there are good improvements being made and winning is the product of better performances.”

Bristol Bears U18s: 15. Ellis Davies; 14. Gabbe Lacey, 13. Joe Jenkins, 12. Sam Worsley, 11. Ewan Skuse; 10. Jac Lloyd, 9. JJ Williams; 1. Tom Sims, 2. Isaac Bell, 3. Jimmy Halliwell, 4. Edward Harvey, 5. Paddy Pearce, 6. Aaron Tull, 7. Jamie Collier (c), 8. Macenzzie Duncan.

System players: 16. Max Pullen, 17. Herbie McMullin, 18. Billy Moran, 19. Charlie Cox, 20. Morgan Jones, 21. Archie Stapleton, 22. Henry Hawkins, 23. Archie Grayson.