BUDE youngster Alfie Johns enjoyed his second England Under 17’s training camp over the weekend at Hartpury College in Gloucestershire as he looks to secure a place on a summer tour.

Alfie, who started his rugby at Bencoolen Meadow but now is part of the Exeter Chiefs Academy, was part of the 57-player squad that met in March, before being invited back with 16 players cut.

Alfie, like the rest of the squad, are hoping to impress enough to be invited to tour South Africa, and mum Nic Johns admitted she was pleased with his efforts.

She said: “Alfie really enjoyed the camp and the talent there was outstanding.

“He got a real insight in what it takes to be part of an elite environment and we’ll find out at the end of the month whether he’s been successful.

“Against Hartpury he tackled well, carried well and scored a try, so he could do no more.”

It was also a fine day for Bude Seconds on Saturday as they rounded off the season with a thrilling 35-33 victory over their Falmouth counterparts in the CRFU Duchy Vase final at the Recreation Ground, Falmouth.

The Seasiders found themselves 33-21 down with ten minutes to go, before two tries secured a fine comeback.

In front of a large crowd, Bude found themselves 9-0 down inside the opening 15 minutes thanks to three penalties, before the hosts broke through to score a converted try.

Things got worse when full-back Blaine Wickett was sin-binned for a high tackle, but the introduction of young prop Charlie Firman helped turn the tide.

Replacement winger Jack Horwell scored twice before half-time to reduce the gap to just two as Gareth Hutchings added the extras on both occasions.

Former first-teamer Chris Hill was introduced at the break but Falmouth extended their lead to 28-14 before the hour thanks to further tries.

Bude hit back when man-of-the-match Freddie Saxton dotted down, but a fourth home try meant Bude had it all to do in the final ten minutes.

But after the home fly-half was yellow-carded on 68 minutes, Bude piled on the pressure and Wickett slotted home after fly-half Steve Eaton went over.

Another Falmouth yellow card meant Bude had plenty of gaps to exploit, and Birch crossed to spark wild celebrations. Wickett’s superb kick gave them the lead at 35-33.

Back came the hosts as they sought a winning try, but a stray pass found touch to give Bude victory.

Reflecting on the afternoon, team manager Andrew Sillifant told the Post: “It was a brilliant way to finish the season, the boys really pulled it out of the bag.

“It was also great to see some of the youngsters involved and both Charlie (Firman) and Bailey (Fackrell) had outstanding games.”

Sillifant hopes several of this year’s Colts side will transition into senior rugby next term, adding: “We’ll look to keep integrating them into the seconds and hopefully over the next couple of seasons we’ll get some into the first team.”

BUDE: Blaine Wickett, Alfie Eaton, Brian Andrew, Gareth Hutchings, Chris Heard, Steve Eaton, Michael Jones; Alex Robinson, Martin George (capt), Aaron Tharme, Bertie Seggons, Darren Pilot, Peter George, Matt Shadrick, Freddie Saxton. Replacements: Tony Price, Terry Birch, Charlie Firman, Bailey Fackrell, Chris Hill, Jack Horwell.

Bude man-of-the-match: Freddie Saxton.