Stowe snatch victory

Rupert Lynch would not be denied in the Daily Mail U18 Cup on Wednesday. Stowe's free scoring No 8 snatched a dramatic 22-20 victory from Wymondham College with his second try of the game in injury time, seconds after a copycat charge from a stolen line-out had been ruled out

for putting a foot in touch.

There was just time for Chica Farr to miss the difficult conversion before the referee blew for time. Wymondham were shattered after fighting back

from 17-8 down to lead 20-17 with two minutes left.

"They know how to put me through it," said Stowe coach Alan Hughes. "But Lynch has been a revelation this season. He has always been a powerful player but is showing a new maturity. He's also scoring tries for fun - that's ten so far."

Stowe had their best run in the Cup two seasons ago when they reached the last 16 for the first time and went out with heads held high in another

gripping game, won 15-13 by St Peter's, Gloucester.

"This side are probably a bit stronger in that we have a very combative pack led by England U18 prop Tom Laws," said Hughes.

But if the Lawrence Sheriff-RGS Worcester tie follows form, Stowe will have a real challenge to make progress. RGS are the only side to beat them

in 10 games this season and they put 30 points on them in the fourth match of the season.

"If it is RGS, we have to travel but we always reserve something special for the Cup and it would be the sweetest revenge," said Hughes.

Claires Court, from Maidenhead, also claimed a major scalp amid gnashing of teeth, winning 21-20 just along the Thames at Pangbourne. Rugby has come on leaps and bounds at Claires Court in recent seasons. Now they can test themselves at home against the heavyweights of RGS High Wycombe.

Queen Elizabeth High School, Hexham had a more comfortable day beating Dame Allan' from Newcastle 31-16. Their reward is a tie against Barnard Castle, finalists for the past two years.