We travelled down by coach to Preston Grasshoppers with a squad of 21 lads all keen and fired up. This was a National Semi Final so we knew Old Northamtonians would be a good team especially looking at their performances to get here. Didn’t they just show us why they deserved their place in the semis; ON's opened up a 17 - 0 lead within 10 minutes of the start with some incredible play from very swift backs!!

Though reeling, Wetherby fought back scoring two tries and converting one so closing the gap to 17 - 12. ON's were determined to keep the lead and sped past us to score again. This one was converted. The clock was ticking down to half time, it was 24 - 12. Wetherby fought hard getting over the line and converting bringing the half time score to 24 - 19. Catch our breath. A chance to regroup and gather ourselves, the second half was going to be even more hard fought.

Quite soon into the second half Wetherby took a penalty in front of the posts which went over and the gap closed to 24 - 22 we were getting there ....... but a quick try from ON stretched their lead again to 29 - 22.

BUT

It's not over till the final whistle and that is how Wetherby played. A check with the referee and there was 10 minutes of play left. Wetherby got over the try line and converted it to take it to 29 - 29. However in this competition there is no extra time for a draw and if we didn't do something ON's would claim the victory because they had scored most tries.

The clock was ticking down ....

There were 5 minutes left .....

Wetherby rallied and with a hard push got over the try line. For the first time ever they were in the lead 29 - 36 and now the clock didn't seem to tick fast enough with still 3 minutes of play left. We had to keep possession, no penalties, no mistakes ....

Finally the last passage of play called and we got possession to kick the ball out of play.

A roar of delight from Wetherby parents whose hearts had been in their throats for the past 70 mins. Emotional is an understatement.

Old Northamptonians were formidable opponents. Well done everyone.