Ampthill 18 Woodford 19

Cameron Dutch’s late try earned below-strength Woodford under-17s a narrow victory in Bedfordshire on Sunday.

The visitors made the trip without four first-team regulars and fell behind on 15 minutes, following a good passing move on the right flank.

After Woodford prop Ian Bukenya had a try disallowed, the visitors fell further behind as Ampthill ran in a converted try, then scored a penalty.

Woodford skipper Dutch got his side back in the game shortly before the interval, with a creative individual try.

The home side got the first score of the second period, with a successful penalty extending their lead to 18-5.

But Woodford showed immense team spirit to bounce back. Winger Chesley Fagan began the revival, finishing under the posts after riding two challenges. Albie Phillips added the extras.

With 10 minutes remaining, Dutch jinked his way through a tired defence and scored his second of the match under the posts.

That set up a simple conversion from Phillips to edge Woodford in front for the first time and some determined late defending ensured the hard-fought win.