In a captivating County Cup Final, St Benedict’s claimed a well-deserved 30-12 victory over Dowdales in what turned out to be a highly competitive match. The encounter, filled with drama and intensity, was a tale of two halves, with St Benedict’s pulling away after a tense first 40 minutes.
The first half saw both teams go toe-to-toe in a closely contested battle. St Benedict’s scored three tries, all unconverted, while Dowdales responded with two tries, both of which were successfully converted. The combination of St Benedict’s aggressive attacking play and Dowdales disciplined finishing meant the halftime score was locked at 12-12, setting the stage for an exciting second half.
As the second half kicked off, St Benedict’s raised their game significantly. Their forward pack took control of the middle, providing a platform for the backs to make the most of their attacking opportunities. With Dowdales struggling to match their intensity, the game remained in the balance until about 15 minutes to go where a break away try opened the floodgates for St Benedict’s.
Dowdales continued to fight back, but despite their best efforts, St Benedict’s defence held strong. In the closing stages of the match, St Benedict’s sealed the win with a final try, making the score 30-12 and ensuring their dominance in the latter part of the game.
The result crowned St Benedict’s as County Cup Champions, with their second-half performance proving decisive. Dowdales, though beaten, could be proud of their efforts in the first half and the determination they showed throughout the game.
Player of the Match: Rhys W
