St Ives are celebrating an historic success – after lifting the Midlands Senior Vase for the first time.
The Bulls beat fellow table-toppers Long Eaton 19-8 in a Saturday final at Somersham Road to complete the first part of a potential honours treble.
St Ives, who are also hot favourites for the Midlands Division One East (South) title, fell behind to a penalty but were soon ahead as Paul Ashbridge claimed the opening try which he also converted himself.
That’s the way it stayed until the second half when the Bulls stretched their advantage as Ollie Raine touched down after fine work from the scrum.
Ashbridge again added the extras, but Long Eaton, who lead the way in Midlands Division Three East (North) battled back into contention with a try following a line-out maul.
But the contest was settled with 10 minutes to go when Raine went over again after powerful work from the St Ives pack.
Their reward is a trip to face Northern Senior Vase victors Wath Upon Dearne on March 31. The winners of that tie will then progress to the national final at Twickenham in May against the top team from the south.
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