Shelford 38 Cambridge 0

Tries: James Knoop (2), Oscar Giles, Sam Collicott, Ed Lowe, Matt McCann, Conversions: Rory Hutchinson (4)

Shelford retained their County Cup title with a clinical 38-0 victory over their closest rivals. The key to victory was a solid defence allied to the ability to take chances when they presented themselves. Every member of the squad contributed to an excellent performance.

Cambridge started well, nicking the first scrum against the head and putting Shelford under pressure with their pick and go game. When Shelford had the ball however they looked dangerous. Crucially Shelford competed well at the breakdown and were able to recycle and put width on the ball.

This led to three first half tries, all remarkably similar in execution - driving through the phases, creating the overlap and spreading the ball wide. Scorers were No 8 Oscar Giles, prop Sam Collicott and centre James Knoop. Full back Rory Hutchinson added two conversions and at half time Shelford led 19-0.

Cambridge had had at least parity in possession in the first half, and the edge up front and this effort was possibly harshly reflected on the scoreboard. However the exertion clearly told, as the second half was much more comfortable for Shelford. Centre Ed Low scored after fly half Toby Hackett had hacked it on and won the chase for the ball. Winger Matt McCann, returning from a two month injury lay off, came off the bench to score with his first touch as he picked up a loose ball to power through the cover defence. Deadeye kicker Hutchinson converted both tries.

Gaps started to appear in the Cambridge defence as they tired. Elusive centre Knoops needed no second invitation and he ran in for his second try.

Shelford rang the changes, and the pinpoint kicking of replacement fly half Ivan Karsten kept Cambridge pinned back in their own 22. Could Cambridge score? All game Shelford had kept Cambridge's strike runners bottled up. Suddenly Cambridge fly half and County 400m champion Rawlings broke through and sprinted like a greyhound down the touchline. The Shelford backs were left trailing in his wake as the thoroughbred paceman arrowed towards the tryline. Could he break the visitors' duck? Then, like a claret and blue exocet emerging from the gloom, Shelford No 8 Giles lined up his target and barrelled the speeding Rawlings into touch. The home supporters erupted. Mog has been a massive figure for the team this season and his willingness to lay his body on the line for his teammates after already having played for Northampton Saints earlier in the week is testament to his huge commitment to the club.

The Shelford defence remained strong and Cambridge could not break through. The County Cup was retained as Shelford ran out 38-0 winners. A perfect end to an excellent season.

Shelford: Pratt (rep Stalker), Brown (rep Flood), Collicott (rep Cox), Jones, Calvey, Bishop, Walker, Giles, George (rep James), Hackett, (rep Karsten), Smith (rep Tilbury), Douglas, Low (rep McCann), Hutchinson (rep Finlayson), Knoop.