So the mood was positive in The Stag camp going into this final with the aim to make club history and progress further in the Senior Vase Cup.

A strong squad travelled down to Honiton together with the ever faithful supporters in tow to unknown territory.

The Stags started by playing up the sloping pitch and it was only several minutes before Honiton took the lead by scoring the first try of the game from the base of a ruck with a quick pick and go. 5-0.

The Stags then began to play the quick and expansive game we all know and were awarded a penalty for an infringement at the break down. Tim Piper slotted the ball over the posts for the three points. 5-3.

The game progressed a little with both teams having fair possession of ball but Honiton then used the slope to there advantage with a long kick from deep within there half which found touch to keep The Stags pinned back in there own 22 area but off we went up the slope with several phases of play, quick ball and gaining ground to allow Sam Lewis too force his way over the line to take the lead for The Stags. 5-8.

Shorty after the restart Honiton, somehow, scored two quick tries to regain the lead 19-8 before the whistle went for half time and unfortunately The Stags lost there influential skipper Ross McKechan with a shoulder injury. HT 19-8.

Honiton started the second half as they finished the first and we awarded a penalty to extend the lead 22-8 but The Stags responded immediately with David Harris crashing over from 5m out with Piper adding the extras. 22-15.

It was then Honiton’s turn to carbon copy a period from the first half and scored another two quick tries from open play. 32-15.

The stags then responded and Piper broke the defensive line with ample support, and the ball was passed between several Stags and back to Piper who scored under the posts to claw back 7 points. 32-22.

With 10 minutes left to play, The stags felt the game could be taken away from Honiton but the home team showed why they are high up there own league table. They were awarded a penalty to close the game out at 35-22.

Credit must go to this group of players who are currently having a superb season with another final to play in the Somerset Cup against Yatton and sitting second in the table.

Next week its back to league action against Yatton, of all teams, back at The BASC.