WOODFORD Colts demonstrated their burgeoning potential by overcoming Saracens during a thrilling RFU National Colts Competition third-round game at the weekend.

The Highams men had muscled their way past first Hemel Hempstead in round one and then Cambridge in the previous round to set up this mouth-watering tie.

And they delivered in style, roaring back late on to take the victory after they had seemingly thrown away the game thanks to an impressive Saracens comeback.

Woodford dominated the early exchanges, as the strength and mobility of their forwards saw them gain the upper hand. This good work transcended to their backs, and the hosts were able to take the lead through Will Evans.

The pressure continued and the home side made it count when Joe Barnes crossed the line for the second score, Shameel Khan’s conversion taking the score to 12-0 after just ten minutes.

George Degen was the next player to get in on the act as he touched down for try number three, Khan adding the extras for a seemingly unassailable 19-0 lead.

However, the setback merely spurred Saracens into action. Their inside centre went over unopposed and a conversion, followed by a penalty, took the score to 19-10 at the break.

The balance of power had clearly shifted, and Saracens capitalised with another converted score and a penalty to move into the lead by a single point.

However, Woodford were not to be denied, and they clawed back thanks to a Carl Debran score. Khan gave the team added breathing space by making no mistake with the conversion.

Sam Berry then added another in the dying moments, Khan kicking the extra points once again to put the gloss on a terrific 33-20 victory, that sees the team progress to the fourth round.