EDF Energy Cup - : Hartpury on track for another Twickenham showdown

Hartpury on track for another Twickenham showdown

11 March 2008, 3:22 pm

Hartpury College are just one step away from a second Twickenham cup final appearance in a year as they take on Sutton Coldfield in the semi-finals of the EDF Energy Senior Vase this Saturday.

The Gloucestershire side were crowned EDF Energy Junior Vase champions last season after an impressive 72-12 victory over Billericay and now they have got the chance of another showdown at England Rugby HQ.

After their emphatic end of season finale a year ago, Hartpury College have continued to go from strength to strength leading the Gloucestershire Premier league and maintaining a 100 percent winning streak since a 10-16 defeat to Smiths Industries in their very first league match back in 2004.

Director of Rugby Allan Lewis said: “We have got a very strong squad and we have been enjoying our rugby again this season. We have got a big game on Wednesday against Leeds Carnegie in the BUSA Cup and then the EDF Energy Senior Vase semi-final on Saturday so we have to do a lot of juggling around of players but I am very comfortable with the depth of quality we have.

“All the boys are really looking forward to the game and we have got a large number of players involved still who have the experience of the Junior Vase final a year ago. And that is going to be a big help ahead of Saturday’s fixture.

“The RFU should certainly be commended on the introduction of these EDF competitions as it gives every club in the country the chance to play at Twickenham and, as a side which has done that, we know that is an unbelievable experience. Every player wants to have the chance to play at Twickenham, a stadium which is one of the best in the world and my boys are no different. It is certainly an exciting day for the youngsters to experience and we would like another day like that.”

Sutton Coldfield RFC will, however, be keen to end Hartpury’s Twickenham dream as they too have been enjoying a good season on the pitch. The Midlands 3 West South team are setting the pace in their league with just one defeat from 19 matches so far. They are also unbeaten at Walmley Road in the league and cup this campaign.

Lewis added: “We have done our homework on them and they too have had a very good season. What I like about them is that they create their chances to score and they have indeed scored a lot of tries this season. That shows they have a lot of flare. We are certainly going to have to be at our very best this weekend.”