WORCESTER have moved a step closer to defending their RFU National Under 17s title.

The reigning Midlands champions edged out Lymm 21-20 in the semi-final to reach the final at Sixways on Sunday, May 1.

For once, the squad was virtually injury free to allow selection of the strongest side.

Lymm started strongly and Worcester, with the wind behind them, struggled to get any possession,

After four minutes, the Lymm forwards, with a driving maul, scored a try in the corner which they failed to convert.

Worcester started to play and sustained pressure enabled Tom Gammond to go over close to the corner for a try on 30 minutes which Lightowler converted.

Lymm responded by kicking a penalty under the posts to lead 8-7 at the break.

In the second-half, the Worcester forwards' dominance in the scrum started to pay dividends and they spoilt Lymm's game plan by taking out their strong running number eight.

The contest was proving to be a physical one and Worcester lost their captain and open-side flanker Jake Abbott with an ankle injury, causing Pomeroy to drop back from lock to the back row.

Van Vuuren came on into the second row and Campbell replaced Drew at prop.

This disruption caused a lapse of concentration and a charged-down kick gave Lymm their second try which again they failed to convert.

Worcester continued to play good rugby but could not convert territory into points.

With the advantage of the wind, Lymm kicked themselves out of trouble and, on 55 minutes, scored their third try, this time converted, under the posts.

Despite being 13 points adrift with nine minutes remaining, Worcester showed great character and determination.

A series of rampaging runs through the middle by Campbell enabled Gammond to go over for his second try and Lightowler added the extra points.

From the re-start, Worcester chased and stole the ball at the ruck, only to be adjudged to have knocked on. Having moved the scrum at will throughout the game, this one remained solid, but, under pressure from Worcester's back-row, Lymm kicked the ball straight into touch.

With seconds remaining, the ball was moved wide from the line-out. Drives first by Campbell and then by Gammond failed to cross the line.

Then, showing enormous strength, Barkley picked up the ball, twisted out of two tackles and grounded the ball.

With the last kick of the game, Lightowler slotted the conversion from out wide against a strong wind.