DRYBROOK Ladies secured the RFU Junior Cup with a 31-24 win over Barnsley at Lichfield RFC.

The win completes a first-ever double for the side just a few years after reforming, having won the Women’s NC South West One division last week.

Ellie Underwood, often a spark in this side’s attack, scored a hat-trick of tries while Hannah Meek dotted down to finish an incredible individual move. Captain Kat Brain added the final try.

“I hope this can be a launching pad for women’s rugby again in the area,” said Brain.

“We’re hoping to get a seconds team next year and get more intake. Options are endless at the moment.”

Talking of the cup triumph, she added: “I’m over the moon. I’m so proud of the girls, it’s unreal.

“It was a bit back-and-forth; they scored a couple and we scored a couple. It was a real battle in a warzone.

“This is an awesome feeling. The club are going to be so proud that we’ve brought the win home for Drybrook and I’m so happy to have represented the Forest of Dean.”

The team’s head coach James Smith waxed lyrical about his side.

“What these girls have achieved in three years when 90 per cent of them had never touched a rugby ball in their life is amazing,” he added.

“I’m totally overwhelmed by the support from the club when we got home too.”