Having won the trophy last year away at North Bristol, the playoff this time was under the floodlights on the 4G at Tiger’s Newlands Park. Retaining the trophy for the third time in succession would require a strong performance, as we knew Lydney was a powerful and talented team with several academy players in its ranks.

The team selection was even more complex and nuanced than usual. Unlike the rest of the competition, the squad size was limited to 22 for the final, and tough choices needed to be made. The eventual selection was an exciting blend of pace and power, with a rapid and mobile pack and a stellar array in the backs.

A sizeable crowd of several hundred supporters greeted the teams, and the excitement was palpable. For once, it wasn’t raining either; it was cool and breezy, with a low sun dazzling the spectators.

We had the idea of keeping the ball moving at pace, and almost from kickoff, we passed it wide with a flowing back move. We were forced into touch but had made deep inroads into the Lydney half and forced a knock-on in their 22. From a dominant scrum, we were awarded a penalty, which was tapped quickly by Benji, who was strong enough to cross the line for the opening score converted by Sam P. 7-0

Our defensive pressure was causing Lydney problems, and they were forced back into their 22. An attempted clearance kick was charged down by a rampaging Tom C, who was quickest to the loose ball, which had trickled over the line in the corner of the pitch. Sam slotted the kick from the touchline, and it was 14-0

An offside transgression allowed Lydney to kick deep into our territory, and their big pack drove well from the lineout. The score was 14- 5, a timely reminder that they were not to be taken lightly and to maintain the intensity.

Back we came, and another penalty for not rolling away allowed us to kick into the 22. The pack set up for a catch and drive, but a clever switch to a pre-planned move saw MaxSJ peel off the back of the maul. He threw a long, accurate pass to Sam H, who crashed over near the posts. 21-5

We were making ground with a series of powerful carries in the pack and neat interchanges in the backs. Ollies D and R in the centre were linking well, with Sam P orchestrating matters at the fly-half.

Lydney was being stretched, and the referee spotted an illegal tackle, allowing a kick at goal as we sought to stretch our lead. Sam had a faultless half from the tee and sent the kick high and true. 24-5.

There was still time in the half for us to disrupt a defensive line out on the Lydney 22. A wicked bounce from a misplaced knockdown landed in the hands of Charlie H, who spotted the gap and charged through it. He was too quick for the cover and sprinted over for our fourth try of a dominant half. It was 31-5 at the interval.

The half-game rule applies in GRFU competitions, and so several substitutions were made at the break. Whether this disrupted us or, more likely, Lydney upped their game, the second period was a total contrast to the first. We were under the cosh and defending in our own 22 for almost the entire half.

A series of penalties were awarded against us, and after repeated transgressions, the referee’s patience was exhausted, and a yellow card was brandished. The player receiving it had the right to a degree of disgruntlement as he wasn’t the one actually to commit the offence but took one for the team.

A stern defensive effort was required to hold out, and time after time, tackles were made, and the attacks were repelled.

Tom S and Seb were energetic half-time replacements and led the tackle count. Barney R, also on at half time, was a nuisance at the breakdown and tenacious in his pursuit of kicks, racing fully 60 yards to grapple the catcher and regain possession.

Finally, we got some ball and didn’t give away a penalty. The backs worked a lovely move, and with space out wide and the line beckoning, it all came to nought as a horribly misplaced pass allowed the opposition to boot the ball 50 yards back down the field. No matter, time was up, and after an attritional, scoreless half, the celebrations could begin.

Skipper Ollie seized the trophy and thrust it into the chilly night air, surrounded by his excellent teammates. We have used our entire squad of nearly 50 players during this competition and though we could only play a fraction of them in this game, the victory belongs to all of them. Allez les Pats!

Allez les Pats

Tom Perris