The final round of league games in the 2017 AASE League was always going to be a big one, with the finalists to be confirmed.
Gosforth Academy had already sealed their place in the final, for the second year in a row, a week early but the big question was who would face them. Exeter College, last year’s winners, or Hartpury College, the most successful side in AASE history.
South 1
As it turned out, it will be Hartpury College. They travelled to Exeter College on Wednesday in this de facto semi final determined to make amends for missing out on last year’s title, they did so in impressive form, winning 28-8 despite some awful conditions.
That means that they will head to the final to face Gosforth, with Exeter College heading to the third place play off against Oaklands College. Behind them were St Paul’s Catholic College and Henley College, who shared an exciting 29-29 draw on Wednesday afternoon.
North 1
Gosforth had already sealed their place in the final, but they kept their momentum going in style with an impressive 24-14 victory over Worcester 6th form College, who were the pace-setters in the northern conference in the first phase of the league.
Oaklands College sealed second place in the table and therefore a place in the third place play off after a 22-14 win away at Brooksby Melton College, who have been so impressive in their first AASE season.
South 2
Beechen Cliff will finish up on top of the South 2 division after they defeated the side that had sat on top of the league, SGS Filton College, 29-19 on Wednesday. Truro College had a bye and will finish in second between the two others.
North 2
Myerscough College had a bye this week but had already sealed top spot in the North 2 Division. Bishop Burton College and Moulton College were due to meet, however poor weather conditions saw their game postponed until further notice, unfortunately.
The big story of the day though was of course Hartpury’s defeat of the reigning champions, Exeter College, setting us up for a hugely exciting AASE final at Allianz Park against Gosforth Academy.
2017 AASE Final: Gosforth Academy v Hartpury College – Wednesday 6th December, Allianz Park
As always, if you have any videos, photos, or reports from the week’s AASE rugby, please feel free to send them in via Twitter (@FifteenRugbyXV), Facebook (www.facebook.com/FifteenRugby), Instagram (@fifteenrugbyxv), or through email (writers@fifteenrugby.com).
AASE Phase 2 Round 3 Results:
North 1
Brooksby Melton College 14-22 Oaklands College
Gosforth Academy 24-14 Worcester 6th form College
South 1
Exeter College 8-28 Hartpury College
St Paul’s Catholic College 29-29 Henley College
North 2
Bishop Burton College P-P Moulton College
Myerscough College – Bye
South 2
Beechen Cliff 29-19 SGS Filton College
Truro College – Bye
