THOSE from Preston Grasshoppers' Under 17s who supplemented the Hoppers Senior Colts' squad attempt to pick up the National Colts Plate have much to reflect on from the season, and much to look forward to in the next twelve months as they transfer into the Club's Youth rugby division.

Focusing on some quality fixtures in the Lancashire and Cheshire Colts League, the Under 17s side won the 'A' League with a mountain of tries to their credit. The much-prized London Irish Festival Cup and then the Lancashire Under 17s Colts Cup confirmed the achievements of the squad, skippered by John Peterson.

They recently added the Macclesfield Colts Sevens Cup to the trophy cabinet.

Scoring 2,750 points throughout their junior rugby careers, at an average of almost 30 points per game while conceding less than a try on each outing, the group has lost a mere eight matches from the 95 games played over the last five years.

Every member of the full 24-man squad has played for at least one Lancashire side, a number have represented the North of England while others, some linked to Premiership clubs, have international connections.

Already a promising squad in their mini rugby days, the players have blended under the guidance of both Graham Cox and Nigel Morgan.

This year's leading points scorer Anthony Mellalieu formed a highly effective partnership throughout the 17s' campaign with England Clubs' Chris Leck and also Ian Morgan.

The trio accumulated 214 points out of the nineteen-match season's total of 604, with winger James Illingworth just pipped for top-spot with 17 tries.