Essex's young guns were hoping to continue their good form against Bedfordshire today after bouncing back from a 17-0 deficit to beat Cambridgeshire in their first match of the campaign.

A key forward change sparked the comeback and Rochford youngster Martin Ward got Essex on the board with a try in the corner.

Scrum Half Ryan Martin, No 8 Randel Bray and Rochford centre Paul Morris (2) put Essex well on top before Cambridge grabbed a late consolation.

Centre James McFerran also kicked two conversions for Essex.

Ready for action - the Essex under-16 squad

Squad: Mark Bowering, James McFerran, (Harlow) Randel Bray, Stephen Greenwood, Jason Hadley, (Romford), Ryan Martin (Woodford), Chris Earing (Basildon), Dean Munke, Chris Hicks, Alex Wiles-McFadyen, (Canvey Island), Ollie Clarke, Richard Hollingsworth, Rob Jones, Alex Webb, (Brentwood), Martin Ward, Paul Morris, Peter Knight, (Rochford), Lee Wright, Leigh Blinman, Jack Davies, (Bancroft), Eillot Keefe, Ben Madden, Marc Minter, (Thurrock).

Published Tuesday, March 26, 2002