Wellington U18s had a hugely successful and enjoyable 2013/14 season. Once again under the guidance of coaches Allyn Chetland and John Dunbar, ably assisted by Nigel Symons and Phil John, under the Captaincy of Patrick Jarman, pre-season training started in early July and soon 25 plus players were turning up for each session.

Pre-season friendlies were unfortunately cancelled resulting in an early set back against Weston Hornets, however this was followed by a very comfortable win over Minehead in the league. More resounding wins in the league followed, doing the doubles over Taunton, Bridgwater, Clevedon, Minehead, Wivey and North Petherton along the way. In the cup The Red & Blacks lost narrowly in a thrilling encounter to a very large and strong Bath side.

The lads set their own objective of retaining the Somerset U18s league, which they won the previous season, for a second year running and to go unbeaten in the league in the process. They acheived this, making club history again in the process, with games to spare and by a clear 19pts. The only slight blip was the draw away to second placed Frampton in a game that finished in darkness after The Red & Blacks were held up on the M5 for 4 hours back at the beginning of November. The whole of the squad have been an absolute pleasure to be involved and associated with, a massive credit to WRFC.

A wonderful tour to Belgium and The Netherlands was had which saw two outstanding wins on field. The Red & Blacks are now unbeaten on the last three overseas tours.

During the year, Liam Symons, Josh Hancock, Alex Davey, Sam John, James Weeks, Olli Price, Jamie Hayman & Dan Rottenbury all made their debuts for the senior XVs. There is little doubt others, such as Patrick Jarman, Will Lane, Harry Ramsay, Gilliam Crouch, George Jarman & Tim Davey will follow into the senior ranks, university and work committments permitting.

Season Stats:

Played 22, Won 19, Lost 2, Drew 1
Points For - 981pts
Points Against - 139pts
Ave pts scored per game: 44pts
Ave pts conceded per game: 6pts
Most Appearances: Ben Price & Alex Davey with 17 appearances each.
Leading Pts Scorer: James Weeks (for second year running) with 116 pts.
Leading try scorer: Jamie Hayman (for second year running) with 20 tries.

Jack Richards & Tom Hawkins represented Somerset during the season, whilst Patrick Jarman, James Weeks & Harry Ramsay had trails for England Colleges. Jarman went on to play at Twickenham representing his College at HQ.

Statistics alone however can never show the true value of a thriving youth section, both to the future of the club, and to the life experiences gained by the players. Everyone, players, coaches and club officials can look back with immense pride and pleasure on this record breaking 2013/14 season.

Captain Shield: - Patrick Jarman
Player of the Year: - Gilliam Crouch
Young Player of the Year [John Hannaford award]: - Jack Richards
Best New Comer / Player to U18s: George Hodgson
Most Improved Player [Dave Jones Trophy]: Ben Price
Colt of The Year: Sam John
Asset to the Club [Des Waller award]: Jamie Hayman

Team picture:
Back row standing (left to right); Allyn Chetland (coach), Will Lane, Josh Hancock, Dan Rottenbury, Harry MacDonald, Ed Clothier, George Jarman, Rowan Hill-James, Gilliam Crouch, Harry Ramsay, Ollie Price, Will Flay, James Weeks, Henry Lorridge, Liam Symons, Andrew Dunstan (physio), Phil John (Manager)
Front row kneeling (left to right); John Dunbar (coach), Jack Richards, Jamie Hayman, Ben Price, George Hodgson, Patrick Jarman (captain), Sam John, Jordan Webber, Ben Ware, Tom Hawkins, Nick Zimmer, Alex Davey, Joe Coppin, Nigel Symons (assistant coach)
Missing: Andy Cadman, Oscar Harrington, Paul Steer, Martin Walker, Tim Bryant & Tim Davey