Oundle book Vase final spot but S&L bow out

The Eagles brushed aside the challenge of Southam in their semi-final as their nine-try demolition job on the Warwickshire visitors secured them a 62-13 success.

However, S&L bowed out at the last-four stage of the regional competition as they were narrowly beaten by Herefordshire club Ledbury.

The hosts were edged out 19-14, bringing to an end hopes of matching their 2014 success in this competition.

Oundle now face Ledbury at home in the Midlands final on Saturday, March 26.

Their passage through could not have been much easier.

Despite falling behind to an early penalty, they took control of the game and never looked like losing.

Craig Tandy levelled with the boot after a quarter of an hour – on his way to a personal tally of 17 points – before Ross Murray started the try scoring.

Ross Davies and Simon New then followed him over the line to establish a strong lead.

Just before half-time, Robb Shingles got the first of his four tries – including a second-half hat-trick – and David Thomas completed the rout with a double after the break.

It was a performance made all the more impressive by the fact eight first-team regulars were missing from the Eagles’ line-up.

The Midlands Three East (South) champions are back in league action this weekend when they take on third-placed Long Buckby.

S&L entertain St Neots at Occupation Road.