IT was a case of so near but yet so far for Burnley Junior Colts.

After a superb start to the league programme, they ended up having to settle for third place while the team also enjoyed two notable cup runs.

Burnley made the National Colts Knockout competition but were unlucky to lose to a strong Keswick side. And one of the highlights of the season was to reach the semi finals of the Halbro Shield only to lose 24-14 against Orrell.

But despite the successes, coaches Simon Finnan and Billy Ingham, who is the First XV's leading try scorer, believe the club could have done even better had they trained more as a team.

"If we could get the lads all training with the senior squads their rugby skills would come on in leaps and bounds," said Finnan who is also the First XV captain. "And those games we have lost by a couple of tries we could easily win. We could push for promotion next season."

The Colts take a well-earned summer break and begin pre-season training in July for the next season in the senior colts league.

Anyone wishing to join the Under 19s squad next season should come along to training on Tuesday and Thursday from July onwards. For more exact details contact Burnley Rugby Club on 01282 434337.