Wilmslow u17 12 Knutsford u17 10

KNUTSFORD endured last-minute heartbreak against higher-ranked opponents in the Cheshire RFU Junior Plate on Sunday.

They had led 10-5, only for their opponents to progress after scoring a converted try from a close contest's final play. 

Blues had conceded a try in the early exchanges before Fergus Grieves, named in Cheshire's under 17s development squad earlier this month, to reduce the deficit by kicking a penalty.

They dominated the second period, spent almost entirely in Wilmslow's half, and broke through with 10 minutes left when Luke Shaw wriggled over.

Grieves duly added the extras.

However a twist followed when the hosts pinched possession from a Knutsford lineout, starting an attack that ended with a match-clinching score against the run of play.

They will hope to bounce back at the first attempt this weekend, when they visit Liverpool Collegiate in the last four of the North West Colts League Junior Shield.