Herts Stags, the under-20 side augmented with a few of last season s players, gave Sweden a good workout on Sunday at Hertford. The strength of the adult side told as the visitors ran out winners 24-10. Herts featured captain Phil Pearson and Letchworth c

Herts Stags, the under-20 side augmented with a few of last season's players, gave Sweden a good workout on Sunday at Hertford.

The strength of the adult side told as the visitors ran out winners 24-10.

Herts featured captain Phil Pearson and Letchworth club colleagues Chris Cottenden and Charlie Witherick plus Richard Penny from Stevenage Town.

Five replacements also came from Letchworth - Callum Bryce, Robin French, Ollie Wakefield, James Alford and Ciaran McNicholas.

Just before half time, the home side won a penalty that was quickly tapped and centre Witherick crossed the line for an unconverted try.

Sweden were on a short tour to prepare themselves for their FIRA internationals against Switzerland and Austria in April. The majority of their players had not played since their season closed in October for their winter break.

THIS weekend promises to be the most memorable two days in the rugby careers of some of the county's most promising young female players.

More than 40 of the county's leading under-17s will be playing in front of a capacity crowd at Old Albanians in St Albans on Saturday.

The girls will be showcasing their abilities in a series of games ahead of England's Six Nations encounter with Ireland - a game which could see the hosts win women's rugby's Grand Slam.

The county under-14 squad will also be at Old Albanians.

Several of these girls will gather again at Harpenden on Sunday to represent East Region as the under-17 team begins its campaign to retain its national title with a game against East Midlands.

The regional under-14 side, who achieved fourth place last year, take on Thames Valley.

Local girls in the East under-14 squad are Natalie Threlfall, Emily Vivian and Nikki Alcock from Letchworth and Frances Dawson from Hitchin.

And local girls in the East under-17 squad are Sasha Acheson, Hayley Guilder and Carla Kelly from Letchworth, Lisa Aldwinckle from Stevenage Town and Claire Foster and Melissa Waite from Hitchin.