HAMPSHIRE’s county rugby squads are finishing the season on a high – with some silverware already on the shelf.

The Under-20s put in a tremendous performance to battle back from a likely defeat to claim the National Shield against Durham, writes Clive Downton.

They were 19-3 down at Mosley RFC but battled back with an inspired performance to turn the 16-point deficit into a 25-22 victory.

Hartpury University’s Lewis Dennett kicked Hampshire into an early lead before Durham came back with three tries and a couple of conversions.

Fraser Bruce struck for Hampshire just before half time to start the comeback, Havant prop Jerome Trail forced his way over and Southampton University’s Felix Brasseur crossed in the corner to put Hampshire just a point behind.

Durham claimed three points with a penalty but Ben Holt’s late try from a series of scrums, and a Dennett conversion, sealed the game for Hampshire.

Proud team manager Alan Morgan, who has led the side since they were under 14s, said: “They did us proud today, digging in when it was needed and pulling it back superbly. The forwards were incredible, they dominated the set piece and the backs were quick and played very well.

“I cannot quite describe how I am feeling – it’s just brilliant and I am very proud of all of them.”

Hampshire Under 20s: Eddie Lewis (Havant), Felix Brasseur (Southampton University), Jonny Glendening (Jersey), Ellis Rudder (capt, Havant), James Wise (University of Leicester), Lewis Dennett (Hartpury University), Ben Holt (Cardiff Met University); Toby Hill (Hartpury University), Stefan Younghusband (Guildford), Tom Gregory (Tottonians), Dan Munden (Hartpury University), Fraser Bruce (Exeter University), Kevin Raqio (Tottonians), Kemp Price (Univ of West of England), Connor McCaffrey (Exeter University).

Reps: Jerome Trail (Havant), Ian Bennett (Basingstoke), Josh Bradley (Peter Symonds College), Josh Moore (Winchester), Ross Miller (Chichester University), Harvey North (Exeter University), Simon Johnson (Jersey).