HEREFORDSHIRE Schools Rugby Union celebrated their Golden Jubilee in style last weekend.

The Presidents' XV, chosen by John Escott, overcame the resistance of the Boys Clubs of Wales to record a 14-10 win.

Played at Greyhound Rugby Club, the Herefordshire defence kept the away side at bay, with the Welsh forwards having no answer to their driving mauls.

Cameron Terry, of Cheltenham College, scored a fine try to put Herefordshire 5-0 up, which was converted by Laurie Baldwin.

However, Boys Clubs of Wales reduced the arrears before half-time with a penalty, which made it 7-3 in favour of the home side.

Herefordshire played some very good rugby in the second half, with their forwards, marshalled by Zac Jenkins (John Kyrle Hugh School), Tom Hutchinson (Bishop's School) and Morgan Nelson (John Kyrle), being especially strong.

A second try was scored by Nelson, with Tom Williams (Hereford Cathedral School) converting.

Towards the end of the game, the Welsh side managed to drive over the line for a try, which was converted to make the final score 14-10 to Herefordshire.

Escott said it was a very competitive game, with the Herefordshire back-line, in particular scrum-half Will Samuels (Bishop's) also playing well.

Herefordshire Schools Rugby Union was formed in 1965 when a group of schoolmasters met in the library at Hereford Shirehall.

Rutland aside, Herefordshire is the smallest rugby playing county in England, selecting its side from just 15 schools.

During the past 50 years, 11 boys have played for England Schools at under-16 level and one for Wales Schools.

A further five have also represented at under-18 level.