On Saturday a mix of the Storm Academy and U18s combined forces and travelled down the M69 to take part in a development festival hosted by the Coventry Warriors. Bedford A and Telford A were also invited to the event.

The young Storm side with an average age of 21 (that is despite veteran hack Ty Watson prancing around at 6) took on Telford and Coventry in their matches and ran out comfortable victors in both matches.

Academy captain Jack "Mute" Warren was his usual bubbly self and took control of the afternoons rugby by starring at his first game at hooker.

U18 Starlet and apprentice accountant Sandy Addison had a great couple of games in the back row tearing it up against much older and bigger players. If this 17 year old mathematician keeps developing at this rate he will knocking on the door of housemate and 1st Grade regular back rower Liam "Sister Specialist" Barnes.

Callum Dacey continued his fine start to rugby league and will be pushing hard for 1st Grade selection after another strong and stylish performance.

Jordan Connell continues to impress in the Academy and scored a hat trick of tries whilst never really breaking a sweat.

U18 Mark Etherington was moved into halfback and looked sharp and gender neutral.

Big T was a menace in the middle of the park and looks certain to push for 1st Grade in the later part of the season.

Alex Goddard was a sensation playing at prop and looked heroic with his flowing locks and thor like beard as he steamed into the opposition time and time again.

Cripple Ty Watson had another poor game and why he is allowed to trot out and bring harm to the Storm brand is beyond me.

Demo Gonsalves played his first game of the year for the club and looked like he was getting back to his brilliant best. The man ran like he had 3 legs and the poor opposition did not know where to look and tackle.

Josh Chomicks hair was a masterpiece.

Dom Birch was a stylish powerhouse.

Wyn Roberts played his first game for the club and looked a little off the pace but I am confident with some speed work he should be able to compete at this level.

Coach, Water Engineer and Chief Sarger Mark Smith had a solid game working the interchange and fluid breaks like a man who has done it 86 times before.

Great day of rugby league for the Storm.

This week the 18s and 1st Grade travel to Birmingham and the Academy head north to Sleaford.

Training continues this Thursday at New College.