Kings Norton 10, Bournville 10 (aet)

NEWLY-promoted Kings Norton ended the season with a nail-biting victory over rivals Bournville to lift the North Midlands Vase.

The scores were tied 10-10 at the end of extra time, lifting the silverware after scoring more tries.

It meant the Hopwood side retained the trophy they won last season and saw them turn the tables on the only league club that they have lost to this term.

Other than scoring an excellent breakaway converted try after 18 minutes, when the number eight made good ground before releasing the ball to his support for a score under the posts, Bournville failed to make the most of their strengths as they found Kings Norton's solid defence difficult to overcome in a pulsatingly fast and tough encounter.

With his forwards regularly driving the Bournville tight eight backwards, scrum-half Dave Ellis frequently pumped the ball forwards creating space for his wingers to pressurise the opposing defence.

From one such breakdown, left winger Tim Hodgeson made an excellent pick-up only to be bundled into touch. A Ken Whitehouse penalty also dropped short of the posts.

As the rain increased so did Kings Norton's determination to get points on the board and, after the turnaround, it was the fitness and constant desire of the holders to win the game which overcame the classier Bournville team.

When their opponents had a player sin binned for constant infringements, the Ash Lane side pounced to score the first of their two tries. Number eight Mark Waudby cleverly controlled the ball at the rear of a strong driving scrummage to touch down after 27 minutes and then top try scorer Jan van der Walt added to his personal tally as he was driven over the line.

Kings kept a tight rein on Bournville who had just one opportunity to win the game with a late long range penalty which, fortunately, dropped short.

The tricky conditions ensured there were no further scores in extra time and Kings can now look forward to celebrating at their awards night next month.