Stanford 2nd XV 21 Westcliff 4th XV 7

The final was played at Thurrock RFC and was well supported by spectators who enjoyed a great day of rugby. The Stanford side started strongly and after a good period of pressure centre Matt Rumble made a decisive break on the blind side of a ruck. He made a dummy pass that sent his defender the wrong way and then made a long pass inside to skipper Russell Jackson who scurried over the line to score. The trusty boot of Grant Ferguson extended the lead to 7 points.

Westcliff came back and got close to scoring but the Stanford defence was solid. Eventually, the pressure told and after an initial mistake the Westcliff side fly hacked the ball behind the goal posts and managed to pounce on it to score. Their kicker evened the score to 7 a piece. The Stanford forwards began to take control and the back row of Barter, Smith and Newberry was a thorn in the side of Westcliff. Westcliff tried to kick for the corners but full back Mark Lennon time and time again ran it back with interest. Once such run saw Lennon beat several defenders before popping the ball wide to winger Jack Davidson who also crashed through the would be defenders before making a long pass to centre Ash Smith who had just enough gas to score between the sticks. Ferguson again slotted the conversion and Stanford were ahead at half time 14 -7.

A couple of changes at half time saw Ross Noakes and Reece Anderson enter the fray. Both made an instant impact and Noakes, playing in the centre sliced his way through the Westcliff to score an impressive try. Ferguson kicked the conversion to keep his 100 % record with the boot.

Westcliff were getting frustrated and tempers flared but the referee maintained discipline and kept the game flowing. A Stanford player was yellow cared for what was deemed to be a dangerous tackle. This put a little pressure again on Stanford but once again the defence held and Westcliff were denied any more scores. The final score was a convincing Stanford 21 Westcliff 7.

Skipper Russell Jackson was elated with his team's performance, not only in the final but over the whole season. He praised the whole squad for their efforts this year and that each and every squad member had made significant contributions in the league and cup campaign. A special mention must go to 2 nd row Les Martin who played his last game of rugby and is allegedly hanging up his boots. He had an awesome game and played like a man 20 years younger.