What. A. Round. If you wanted any proof that the reshaping of the ACE League was perhaps the best thing to happen for this crucial development competition, then here it is. Blockbuster games in every pool, and a levelling off of the standard that was needed to ensure quality games across the board. Let’s review all the games and these key results.
Pool A
Beechen Cliff 15-5 Hartpury
The Acorns have fallen. Both sides in the boys and girls league have now been beaten, after looking indestructible in the first stage. Suddenly, Beechen Cliff became favourites after a fine performance. Hartpury actually scored first in this one, before a rolling maul levelled things up before half-time. In the second half, Beechen Cliff broke the seal, and in a nail-biting closing stage, the boys from Bath held on. Que pitch invasion from the media team, subs bench and supporters – What a result. Hartpury will come back swinging, but this is a giant statement, and Hartpury’s first defeat since last year’s final.
Loughborough 20-31 Gordons
Welcome back, Gordons! Several injuries, as well as some professionally contracted size holes in the defending champions’ line-up, had an impact on many of Gordon’s results in the opening stage, by they still got the job done and made the champions pool. Now, with several talented players returning from injury have allowed the side to flourished, and they have begun stage 2 well, with an impressive win away from home against Loughborough. In their debut season in new colours, Loughborough have already done well, but they will put in better performances throughout this stage, that is for certain.
Gosforth 26-14 Oaklands
Gosfoth were expected to pick up a win here, and have done so, taking all 5 points from their first round in the big time. Like Loughborough, Oaklands have already had a great season by reaching Pool A, and they did well to give the north’s best a very good game. There is still a long road for Gosforth if they hope to challenge at the top of the ACE League this season.
Pool B
Exeter 50-13 Coventry
What a performance by Exeter. Their backline is stuffed full of Chiefs, and in the end, they had too much going on out wide for Coventry to control. This was perhaps one of the toughest teams Coventry College have played in a long while, and was a good wake-up call for the side, which had a relatively easy time of it in Division 2 before jumping up to Pool B. They have already adapted well to the ACE League itself. I’m sure they’ll bounce back in round 2
SGS College 21-21 The Bishop Wand
A thrilling start to stage 2 for both sides, who have lots of experience up against each other in seasons gone by, even if they started in different divisions this year. Both will be hoping to secure a spot in Div 1 next season, but this was a game they both would have hoped to take more from. The games do not get easier in this pool, with several hardened northern sides, as well as a rampaging Exeter, next on the docket.
Stourport 28-40 Moulton
Moulton is a historic force in U18 rugby, but an uncharacteristically poor season last year had them languishing in Division 2. They have made up for it this campaign and then some, with some fantastic performances in stage 1 of the season, setting them up well for stage 2, where they have started brightly. Stourport are a good team, and will have other opportunities to stave off relegation in the coming weeks, but Moulton are rushing towards securing a spot in the top division next season.
Pool C
Bede Academy 3-50 Cardinal Newman
Cardinal Newman struggled at times in stage 1, but is making up for lost time now that their top-tier status is threatened. It was a long journey north for the side from Hove, and they will likely have tougher games ahead before the Christmas break, but you can only play who’s in front of you. Bede are the only newly introduced ACE team in this pool, which will set them at a disadvantage against experienced opposition, but they have done well to reach this stage already.
City of Oxford 50-7 Myerscough
Oxford are another southern side who would have been disappointed to have ended up in Div 2 after a decent season last year. They just about finished behind Exeter and SGS to fall into pool C, but they can consider themselves one of the top teams in the competition. In fantastic form coming into stage 2, Myerscough can be forgiven for being on the wrong side of this result.
Truro 36-19 Bishop Burton
Truro, who just about missed out on the pool above, are perhaps the strongest side in this group, and have started in the right manner to prove it with a debut win in stage 2. Bishop Burton and Truro are two sides who would be disappointed to fall into the second tier, and the Yorkshire side will be hunting enough points to stay afloat.
Pool D
Ashton on Mersey p-p Wath Academy,
unfortunately, this game did not take place according to the RFU’s records.
Peter Symonds 26-19 Richard Huish
After a narrow win for Richard Huish the last time these two sides met, it was Peter Symonds’ turn to notch up their first win in the ACE league. Both these sides will improve with more competitive fixtures like this one, which has been a fantastic derby on both occasions.
You can find the full fixture list and last week’s results via the NextGenRugby Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, or via the RFU website, found through this Link: https://www.englandrugby.com/fixtures-and-results/search-results?competition=1664&season=2025-2026&division=66041#fixtures
