The RFU ACE League pits the partner state schools or colleges of all the Premiership clubs against each other in a National League of exceptional quality.

Brooksby Melton College are affiliated to Leicester Tigers. The game was played for high stakes, with the winner most likely guaranteed a spot in the 2022 ACE National Final.

The players arrived at Leicester Forest RFC after an arduous four-hour journey, but showed no early effects of this and immediately piled pressure on the Brooksby try-line.

Eventually Number 8 Kacey Pike crashed over for a try from short range after good work by the entire pack.

Outside half Raff Weston used the strong wind intelligently throughout the half pinning the home team in their own 22 for long periods. Consequently, from a well-drilled five metre line-out maul, hooker Max Dorrington was able to fall over the line for the second try.

With the confidence gained from an early 14-0 lead, the Beechen Cliff backs began to show their attacking threat, with centres Crum and Short making multiple line-breaks.

From one such break, Short was able to feed his full-back Matt Simpson who dived extravagantly in at the corner.

The second half, against the wind, was bound to be a tougher challenge - and for spells the Brooksby Tigers exerted real pressure.

But having been set the challenge of keeping the scoreline to nil, the Beechen defence remained resolute.

The second half saw three further tries from Beechen Cliff. The first from Pike after a clever penalty move, the second from winger Will Dudman after yet another clean break from Short, and a final bit of individual brilliance from exciting youngster Toby Lock. Weston converted four from six attempts.

The bonus point win meant Beechen Cliff finished top of their pool, having won seven out of nine league games.

They march confidently into the ACE Final which will be played at Cheltenham on December 7th against Hartpury College who will present a tough challenge.

It is the third time in recent years that Beechen have been in this position and are determined to go all the way and lift the ACE Trophy.

Victory for Beechen Cliff in final ACE League game of 2022 season

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