Wilkinson hat-trick seals North Mids win.

Bromsgrove claimed the North Midlands Cup for the second time in their history with a 34-10 victory over Newport in the final at Stourbridge yesterday.

The form line which saw Bromsgrove put 140 points past their rivals in two Midlands Two West league games proved misleading as Newport provided tough opposition, but were left regretting their inability to take try-scoring opportunities.

Bromsgrove ran in five tries, with Dave Wilkinson claiming three and Nick Copson and James Robson also touching down. James Udy posted a penalty and two conversions. Newport's points came from Ben Hay's try, converted by James Simpson, and a drop goal from Trevor Powell.

Walsall and Uttoxeter claimed the Staffordshire County Cup honours at Lichfield, with the National Three North side taking the Staffordshire Cup for the senior clubs and the Staffs Division One outfit claiming the Owen Cup for the lower end of the league system.

Walsall eased to a 40-14 victory over Lichfield, who had showed the greater rhythm in the first half-hour and led 9-3 through three penalty goals by Neil Antcliffe against one by Walsall's Richard Allen, who hit a post from 35 yards with another effort.

Walsall then got into gear and No 8 Eubie Saayman scored twice in quick succession, first from a short-range tapped penalty, then accelerating 30 yards from fly-half Greg Harwood's deft pass under pressure.

Allen's second penalty made it 16-9 at half-time and the visitors' free-flowing play led to two tries for powerful centre Mark Eastwood and one from 40 yards by winger Malcolm Walker. Allen added two conversions.

Spirited Lichfield drove veteran prop Vin Macklin over for their only try but teenage hooker David Burr, making his Walsall debut as replacement flanker, had the final say with a try from a move involving ten pairs of hands.

Uttoxeter deserved their 19-8 upset of Midlands Three West (North) Handsworth. Tony Ball put over four penalties and one conversion while Tim Cramp landed one penalty from four attempts for Handsworth.

Facing a strong wind, Uttoxeter fell behind when Handsworth full-back Paul Beckles forced his way over for a try, but led 9-8 at the interval as their pack confirmed territorial superiority with No 8 Steve Griffin's late try.

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Title Annotation:	Rugby Union
Publication:	The Birmingham Post (England)
Date:	May 21, 2001
Words:	369
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