After some brave play South were back into the game with an Alexandra Matthews try which was swiftly converted by the golden boot of Harriet O’Connor.

With the score at 7-5, South were gaining steam and up stepped Alexandra Matthews with a searing run to score her second try of the match. O’Connor once again converted putting the finishing touch to a classy second half performance from South.

Coaches Lisa McGuigan and Emma Ley said of the final, “We started off slow but once the girls pulled together and started to play to one another’s strengths we really came into our own.”

They claimed the key to their second title was the consistency and commitment of the coaching staff, who also included Steve Benson, who were given the task of rebuilding last year’s squad after the loss of a number of members to the Under 17 squad.

But the debut players showed no sign of inexperience with the region showing great strength in depth. This increase in the number of players in the girls game was highlighted by England Under 19 star, Fran Matthews who said, “It’s really great for the women’s game that so many girls are getting involved now.”

And what did she say about her sister giving her a run for her money? “She played amazingly well, I’m really proud of her.”

Elsewhere in the competition, Welsh Regional Winners were, in fact, winners, beating East 5-0 in the Plate Final while Thames Valley  ran out victors in their Bowl final against South West South, scoring 22 to South West South’s 12.

Cup Final Result: South 14 South West North 5

3^rd/4^th Cup Result: North East 10 South East 20

Plate Final Result: Welsh Regional Winners 5 East 0

3^rd/4^th Plate Result: North West 15 East Midlands 5

Bowl Final Result: South West South 12 Thames Valley  22

3^rd/4^th Bowl Result: Yorkshire 0 West Midlands  20