This quartet of likely lads represented Hertfordshire at the England Under 16 Divisional Festival at Castlecroft.

Jamie George (Haileybury College and Hertford RFC) played at hooker and skippered the London and South East XV against South West. Unfortunately there was a serious injury that resulted in that game being abandoned at 10-10, but not before Own Farrell (St George’s and Harpenden RFC) had impressed at centre with his passing in windy conditions.

Owen also played against the North, and the RFU website declared that his ‘gifted handling and all-round awareness’ made him ‘a creative midfield influence’. Jake Sharp (Sheredes and Saracens RFC) and Bill Lake (Watford Grammar School) also started in that game, at fly half and prop respectively, with Jake getting on to the scoresheet with a try. London won by 15-5 – as usual at the Festival, there were no conversions or penalties taken.

Fingers crossed now as the England selectors choose a training squad for a development session at the end of the month. The final inter-divisional game will also take place at Castlecroft, giving players a third opportunity to impress the selectors.