Old Albanians Under-17s were crowned champions of the London and South East region after a 26-6 win over Cobham.

The team have been hugely successful for many years, winning the Herts Middlesex First Division on three occasions and the Herts County Cup five times.

They are now recognised as one of the four strongest sides in the country and go forward into the semi-final of the national U-17s competition to represent London and the South East.

Trailing 6-5 at half time after a typically scintillating try from winger Joel McNeill, OAs dominated the second half scoring three unanswered tries.

Two great team efforts were finished off by George Elliott and Chris Gillespie and there was a 50m individual score from Mickey Seymour, who also added three conversions.

Head coach Mark Elliott said: “The boys should be really proud of themselves. To get as far as this in such a competitive tournament, and to now be seen as one of the four best teams in the country is a massive achievement.

“We look forward to the semi-final against the champions of the South West in Henley in three weeks time.”