Ross on Wye won the North Midlands Vase for the third time in their history, beating Bromyard 23-14 in an all-Herefordshire final at Dudley Kingswinford today.
Fly-half Aaron Ryder contributed 13 of Ross’ points which enabled them to stay just ahead of their county rivals who were always a threat on the counter-attack.
It was Ryder who gave Ross the initiative when he went over from close range after just five minutes, rewarding them for a period of sustained pressure.
Ryder threaded the conversion from the right hand touchline but Bromyard were soon in level terms again after full-back Tom Morris scythed through for a try that
wing Toby Rivers improved.
A penalty from Ryder restored the lead which centre Matt King extended when he powered through for an unconverted try.
Bromyard again responded with a try of their own, left wing George Leighton jinking through for a brilliant individual try which Rivers improved.
But Ryder slotted another penalty on the stroke of half-time and Ross took a firmer grip on the match when scrum-half Bobby Ralph caught Bromyard napping
when he darted over from a quickly-taken penalty.
Bromyard tried hard to close the gap but Rivers scuffed a penalty with 17 minutes remaining and Ross held firm.
Aldridge win the North Midlands Vase Plate, their first-ever county title, with a thrilling 13-11 win over Aston OE.
Aston, cup winners in 2003 and 2004, led 11-10 until Aldridge full-back Alex Yates struck a late penalty.
The drama was not over as Aston then struck a post with a penalty attempt with the final play of the match.
Centre Gareth Bott scored Aldridge’s try with fly-half Harry Baldock kicking a penalty.
Aldridge’s success was very much a family affair as their side included two sets of brothers, two cousins and a father and son.