Merit Table Finals 2025
Merit Table Finals Programme
Merit Table Championship North Cup
Cheshunt 2s v Hertford 3s
Merit Table North Cup
Bishop’s Stortford Chindits v Hertford 4s
Merit Table Championship South Cup
Cuffley v Old Grammarians
Merit Table South Cup
Chess Valley 2s V OAs
President’s Cups 2025
The Presidents Trophy Final – Presidenst Trophy Final
Tabard 28 – 22 St Albans
Tabard retained the Trophy with a hard fought victory over St Albans, also played at OAs ground at Woollams. St Albans took an early lead when they caught Tabard napping, a quick tap and go got the first score, Tabard were soon on the board with a try and a couple of penalties. Just before the break,
St Albans added a penalty to reduce the deficit to 10-11. A yellow card for Saints had a significant impact on the game, Tabard crossing twice for two converted tries whilst they had numerical advantage. Once back up to a full compliment, St Albans added another two tries to narrow the gap to 22-25, with ten minutes left on the clock. A Tabard penalty extended
the lead to 6 points and St Albans required a converted score to win the game but the Tabard defence held firm.
The Presidents Tankard Final
Cheshunt 31 – 15 Hitchin
As Welwyn’s involvement in the Papa John’s
cup meant they were unavailable to participate in the Tankard final, Hitchin stepped in to face Cheshunt at Old Hale way. Hitchin enjoyed
the opening exchanges and camped in the Cheshunt 22, but when Cheshunt finally broke free, they took their first opportunity and Tom McBride broke through for a converted try. Hitchin responded with an unconverted try when the forwards drove over from a 5-metre line out, touched down by James Bolter.
Cheshunt then dominated the last 10 minutes
of the half, two further tries from Adam Green and Kwame Adjem were converted by Reece Shoobridge for a 21-5 advantage at the break. Replacements Danny Wright and Kieran Donovan added to the Cheshunt try tally, but
a resilient Hitchin team had the last word with two more unconverted tries, another drive from a lineout saw Matty Knight touch down, then
a quick tap and go was dotted down by Matt Trussell to complete the scoring.
The Presidents Plate
Royston 56 – 38 Chess Valle
A very entertaining Final in which Royston eventually managed to shake off a determined Chess Valley team. Early scores suggested that Royston might run away with the Plate after an explosive start, as they surged into
a 26-0 lead. However, Chess Valley played some super rugby and briefly held the lead
at 28-26, late in the first half. Both sides continued to play expansive rugby under the floodlights to thrill the large crowd at Woollams playing fields, Royston finishing the stronger of the two and ran out deserving winners.
