CHURCH Stretton Samurai Rugby Club’s under-17 put on a courageous and proud display in a 39-26 defeat against Sutton Coldfield in the North Midlands Plate final at Dudley Kingswinford.

Stretton fought tooth and nail for every ball to scored four tries in Sunday’s final.

But the side were depleted by absences and injury and they did not have the strength to overcome a large and powerful squad from Sutton Coldfield.

Jordan Tsang scored two tries, while Olly Greenhouse and Finley Hughes also notched excellent tries and Ronan Kirby kicked points.

Five of this season’s Church Stretton team have been recommended for the Shropshire Colts squad for the end-of-season regional tournament.

Club chairman Martyn Longhurst said: “Like the senior squad, the under-17s are spreading the Stretton Samurai name throughout the region and building a deserved reputation for the style of rugby we play.”

He also thanked under-17s coaches Duncan Kirkby, assistant coach Steve Rintoul and team manager Chris Hill, for their tireless efforts and team sponsors, Oakland Security, Blazing Bikes, Station Inn at Marshbook, and Shropshire Chandlers, for helping to put Church Stretton on the rugby map.