The culmination of our centenary season has seen the Moorlanders cement their place in the fifth tier of English rugby and reach three cup finals through the Colts, 2nd XV and 1st XV. A win in the Papa Johns Trophy, after tournament victories over Scunthorpe, Sandbach, Doncaster and Penrith would have been the cherry on the anniversary cake.

The sun was shining on the 5G pitch at Worcester as the blue and whites took the field against local rivals Stoke. After a scoreless first 15, the Barlaston-based team threatened to run away with it, scoring two converted tries and a penalty in the space of ten minutes to lead 17-0.

But this Leek team do not lie down, and came back strongly with a quickfire brace from Sam Brereton, Will Midwinter converting one to make it 12-17 at the break.

Ed Cheadle's try early in the second half tied things up, but that was as good as it got for the Moorlanders. Stoke scored three more tries as the half went on, to run out 34-17 winners.

As always, the boys in blue and white did us proud, as did the vocal support from the travelling fans. We finish the season with heads held high, some silverware in the cabinet thanks to the 2s, another final to contest at the start of next season - the Staffordshire County Cup against Burton - and another campaign in Regional 1 to look forward to.

Come on you blue boys!