Sharples is Twickenham hat-trick hero (From Stroud News and Journal)

Sharples is Twickenham hat-trick hero

FORMER Wycliffe pupil Charlie Sharples banked a hat-trick of tries as St Peter's School, Gloucester finally got their hands on the Daily Mail Under-18 Cup as they swept Durham aside at Twickenham last Wednesday.

Sharples, 16, stole the show with a hat-trick of tries, just as he did in the semi-finals.

The Gloucester boys took an unassailable 21-5 lead. Once again, St Peter's took on a bigger pack and won to become only the ninth team to win the Cup.

Durham, who were also beaten in their previous final appearance, led only once when flanker Ross Middleton was driven over by his pack which wiped out an early penalty from St Peter's Mark Davies.

Davies, one of four St Peter's players who will be on England Under-18 international duty later this month, kicked superbly which helped to put the game beyond Durham's reach by half-time.

He converted Sharples' opening try, banged over a 45-metre penalty then slotted a drop goal. When Sharples powered over for his second try after quick and precise passing, the game was over for Durham.

Durham battled bravely in the second half but St Peter's defence was solid and Sharples was first to the ball when skipper and fly-half Danny Pointon chipped to the corner flag.

Durham's persistence was rewarded when they scored two well-crafted consolation tries in the final ten minutes.