North Midlands Under-20s completed their preparations for this season’s National Under-20s Championship with 47-12 victory over Warwickshire at Bournville’s Avery Fields ground today.
North Midlands had the match safely wrapped up by half-time when they eased into a 33-0 lead. They lost some of their shape after the break when substitutions were made and different combinations were tried.
North Midlands set the tone for an entertaining match with some excellent handling and support play which Oscar Clayton (Birmingham University) over for the opening try which Rhys Harrhy (Bournville) converted.
Powerful right wing Rob Lester, who was a constant menace to Warwickshire’s defence, then made his presence felt by bagging a brace of tries inside three minutes which, with a conversion from Harrhy, put North Midlands 19 points up in as many minutes.
North Midlands varied their tactics on the half-hour when they kicked a penalty to the corner and Harry Powell (Luctonians) was driven over for a try which Harrhy improved.
North Midlands continued to dominate and fly-half Jake Leonard (Newport) used his pace and strength to power over after more excellent handling and the accurate Harrhy made a difficult conversion look easy.
North Midlands stretched their lead when number eight Owien Harriott-Davies capped a fine game by galloping clear from his own half for a brilliant long range try which was also converted.
Warwickshire, who played their part in the entertainment, rallied with an unconverted try and their improved defensive work frustrated North Midlands for long periods of the second half.
But North Midlands’ persistence paid off when Jordan Maddocks (Woodrush) went over from a lovely mazy run and Lester added the extras.
Warwickshire went over for a second try, this time converted, from close range from the final play of the match.
North Midlands return to Bournville for their Championship opener against NLD on February 24.