Leek's youngsters rallied from an early deficit to triumph 21-12 in a friendly against neighbours Stoke to get their season off to a winning start.

The Moorlanders trailed 0-12 after the first quarter, but regrouped, refocussed and came back strongly.

Tries from Harry and Alex, both converted by Louis, gave them the lead at the break. A second from Alex, also converted, was the only score of the second half. A resolute defensive performance kept Stoke, who brought a squad of 28 players to the game, at bay.

Leek head coach Joel Booth, who watched the game, was full of praise for the Academy players, describing them as 'genuinely inspiring to watch, physical, determined, hard working, positive, showing skill with the ball with great rugby values'.

Let's hope the Colts' win inspires the 1st XV to victory in the Staffordshire cup final against Burton this afternoon!