Bishops knuckle down and defy all the odds to be crowned team of the month

When Guy Griffiths assessed his pack at the start of the season, the Bishop of Hereford Bluecoat School coach was sure he needed a bit more local beef in order to match last season's run to the U15 Cup semi-finals.

His fears were realised during an early 38-5 thumping by Warwick, but Bishops knuckled down and defied all the odds.

Despite living off scraps against some formidable opposition, they find themselves in the last 16 for the third time in five seasons, thanks to a feroious work ethic and creative backs taking their chances.

The Warwick defeat was reversed in the third round, they went through on the away rule after a 24-24 draw at Colston's, and then upset 2006 champions Bedford 13-10 with a late, late Tom Gallagher try. Centre Alex Lane kicked the conversion and added another chapter to his fine season.

Bishops deservedly take the Team of the Month award and head to Oundle next week hoping to spring another upset.

Griffiths, also chairman of Hereford Rugby Club, said: 'The boys have done exceptionally well. The backs have used limited possession to its maximum. We run the ball at every opportunity and who knows, with a bit of luck and a bit of ball, we just might be able to win the next one as well.'