AFTER last year’s draw on the back of five years of victories for the President’s XV, Minch were desperate to get their hands on the cup this year. The President’s XV had the experience but there was youthful exuberance a plenty in the Minch team with a keen desire to run at all opportunities.

It was a closely contested game with a fierce struggle in the forwards but when the ball went out wide Chris Bookman went over to get Minch’s first points. Soon after Chris Cowcher scored out wide to get Minch’s second. As the interval neared Alan Halling gained a brace of tries and Hampton were 24-0 the better at half-time.

With Minchinhampton Minis providing the half-time entertainment in a demonstration game, it was time for the players to take a well deserved breather from the fast paced game.

Although the President’s were playing well Hampton were ferocious in attack.

Tries came through thick and fast with Brookman quickly getting his hat-trick with some fantastic running up the middle.

Halling was not to be outdone and picked up his hat-trick as well and Eoghan Graves claimed a brace with some incisive running.

Ewan Craig did get a well taken try for the President’s, but it was scant reward for their afternoon’s efforts as Minch thundered through a try from Villiere and a penalty try to keep the scoreboard running. The forwards gave an exemplary performance in running rugby, with the front row of Steve Coombes, Ryan Pollard and Jon Llewellyn all supporting well. Taff Evans and Pete Varley relished the opportunity to thunder in the opposition.

Jon Sparkhall played a polished game at scrum-half, and Stu Campbell marshalled the back division with confidence, but it was veteran fly-half Clive Eagles who finished the game with Minch’s 11th try of the day. With Tom Horrell kicking well all afternoon the Minch tally finished at 73-7, and Hampton picked up their first silverware of the season.