Academy coaches Grant Seely and Ali Hepher used the fixture to have a look at our U16s players, as five had been away for most of February and March on England U16s duty. The side included four of our JSA lads who were good leaders in important positions and this was also the first time several of the U16s players have worn the Saints shirt.

The first try came from clean lineout ball, when scrum-half Harry Peck darted down the blindside and linked with fellow Bedford School player George Warner. England U16s centre pairing Ollie Storey and Guy Michels then combined for the latter to cross the line. Five minutes later, wing Ruairi Charlesworth showed good pace for his outside break and timed his pass perfectly for lock Jack Sharp to score the Saints’ second try.

The forwards provided good ball from a lineout on the half way line which the backs moved to space. Full-back Josh Clarke made a break and fed Charlesworth who went over in the corner. An attacking scrum gave a solid platform for Michels to use elusive footwork before being held up five metres short of the line. The forwards held their width on the blindside and linked well to put Warner over for a try.

The East Midlands got a well deserved try of their own when the JSA gave away a penalty. The Saints were too slow to react to the tap and ran out of defenders the far side creating a hole for the East Midlands to run through. The JSA responded immediately when Peck ran a tap penalty and got behind the defensive line; Michels was on hand for his second score of the afternoon.

There was time for one more score before the break. The pack put pressure on the East Midlands scrum and fly-half Jonathan Joseph forced the turnover. Wing Anders Morgansun offloaded to Peck who sprinted clear from 40 metres for a well deserved try.

The second half saw plenty of changes to both sides. The JSA pack were providing quality possession from set piece and the backs kept the ball in contact allowing continuity.

Flanker Oli Pickett cleaned up the bobbling ball from a line out and stayed on his feet allowing his support to drive him forward. Peck spotted a gap on the blindside and darted his way down the touchline for his second score.

The best try of the match came from a East Midlands turnover five metres from the JSA line. Charlesworth was quickest to react and moved the ball to Morgansun who set off on a mazy 50-metre run which included a chip to himself. Wing Coran Ashworth was tackled just short of the line and flanker Stuart Powell was in good support to dive under the posts.

Storey, who had a very strong game in defence rushed up and made a crushing tackle and stayed on his feet to win possession. The ball was moved quickly to Morgansun who had plenty of pace to race clear from the half way.

The final score of 51-7 flattered the JSA somewhat but it was pleasing to see the team who had very little preparation time perform so well. Many thanks go to the East Midlands coaches and players and to Olney RFC for helping us play a meaningful fixture.

The Caldy Super 10s begins at 11am on Saturday May 5 at Caldy Rugby Club, near Liverpool. For full details click here.

The Senior Academy defend their North Walsham Sevens crown on Sunday May 6. For full details click here.