Wolverhampton miss out on dream date

Captain Ian Harley believes Wolverhampton have laid the foundations for future success despite missing out on a dream date at Twickenham.

Having been crowned Midlands champions of the Intermediate Cup a fortnight ago, Wolverhampton would have made it to the national final had they overcome Cumbria-based St Benedict's on Saturday.

But the 420-mile round trip to Whitehaven ended in heartbreak with a 12-0 defeat giving the hosts the chance to play at the home of rugby.

But, while disappointed, Harley believes great things are in store for his side which has an average age of just 19.

He said: "It was a big disappointment to lose the game. But the thing to remember is that by winning the Midlands Intermediate Cup, we've done something this club has never done before.

"This team is young, we have laid foundations and we have tasted success and seen what it takes to go one better. We know we are more than capable of winning the national competition."

In the build-up to Saturday's game, St Benedict's required the use of a fire engine as well as 30 volunteers to help clear water from the pitch.

Harley continued: "The pitch was terrible and we struggled to move the ball at pace, but their experience really told.

"They were a big, physical side with an average age of 30. They throttled us and were good at slowing play down."