Stratford U14s blow away Five Ways Old Edwardians to win Warwickshire Cup

STRATFORD U14s topped off a superb season with an emphatic 31-5 victory over Five Ways Old Edwardians in the final of the Warwickshire Cup on Sunday.

There was a nervy start to the final, which was played at Barkers Butts, but it was the Black and Whites who would open the scoring after eight minutes.

The ball was moved through the backs and released to full-back – and eventual man-of-the-match – Tom Pearson, who touched down. Will Jones kicked the extras to give Stratford a 7-0 lead.

Five Ways then had a good spell of possession, which ultimately led to a try in the corner, making the score 7-5.

Stratford then settled into the game and started to play the free-flowing, fast-paced style that they're known for.

Quick ball from a ruck inside the Five Ways 22 allowed fly-half Seb Hillard to move the ball through the backs and unleashed powerhouse prop Harry Smith to score under the posts. Jones converted to make the score at half time 14-5 in Stratford's favour.

Stratford began to dominate territory in the second half, with Five Ways pinned in their own half for the majority of the second 40.

However, relentless defence from the Five Ways kept them in the game.

Captain Charlie Mason thought he had extended Stratford's lead when he crossed the whitewash, but the try was disallowed.

A series of penalties against Five Ways in their own 22 followed, one of them Jones kicked for the posts and took the three points making the score 17-5.

Soon after Mason finally found some space and powered through two Five Ways backs to score Stratford's third try. Jones was once again successful with the conversion, making the score 24-5.

The young Black and Whites did not rest on their laurels and continued to pressure the superb Five Ways defence.

A quick ball through the backs unleashed Stratford's powerful winger Sennen Blake 50 metres out and he broke through two tackles down the wing and scored under the posts.

The final whistle blew soon after to confirm Stratford's 31-5 victory.