Fantastic evening at Combe on Friday watching a mixed age, and unfortunately up front a bit scratch Academy outfit narrowly lose to a well drilled and "fruity, hot blooded (and sometimes downright punchy)" Argentinian touring side in what can only be described as very full blooded affair. Excellent performances from everyone in the squad, but it was gratifying to see current 17s: Liam, Shaq, Gavin Ebanks, Scott Mcmanus, Kennedy live totally with the older lads and contribute massively to a fine performance and from a club perspective it was simply excellent to see Liam Caddy looking as sharp as I've ever seen him and also very sharp performances from the rehabilitating Curr and Craig Thomson at half back and the back line in general with Walsh and Tarbie looking classy with everyone looking as though they could push for 1st XV places. Also uncovered an unlikely open side in Connor Duffy who got stuck in from the first minute so captains take note for next year. A few more faces up front to deal with their endlessly rolling subs and Argentine tactics of hitting it up close and also not having to play on a postage stamp of a pitch would have ensured a worthy and stylish victory.....but just to see the sharpness and ball skills from across the whole Academy age groups and Markey, Lovejoy, Wynter, Coates and Kennedy smash loads of talented opposition made it a very enjoyable evening. Thanks to Scott Thomson for stepping from spectator to replacement Hooker.

Report: Conrad Bool

Thanks must go to the U17 management team (Garry Johnson, Joe Duffy, Sarah Taylor & kevin Hewett) for their help organising the match, kit, pendants etc. Big thanks to Aaron for getting the older boys and Joe for the U17's. Not forgetting Phil Tagg & westcombe Park for hosting and Ellis forreffing a feisty game well.

Squad : Chawatama, Markey, Wynter, Coates, Ebanks, McManus, Duffy, Ilo
thomson, Caddy, Johnson, Curr, Walsh, Palmer, Tarbie sub. Scott Thomson

Chacras will be playing matches in France, Scotland and Wales.

David Caddy