For Newent there was elation, for Drybrook only despair.

After 80 minutes of no holds barred rugby, just one point separated them in the Forest of Dean Combination Senior Cup final with defending cup holders Newent running out 23-22 winners at Bream.

And it all hinged on one kick in the final moments of the game - that’s how close it was.

Unfortunately for Drybrook and player/coach Tim Stephenson, his conversion attempt drifted just wide and with it the game.

It was tough on the fly-half who had hauled his side back in the game with a big second-half penalty that brought them to within one score of victory after Newent had rattled up 17 unanswered points to go 23-14 ahead.

When prop Mitch Hale scored Drybrook’s second try just a couple of minutes from time it gave Stephenson the chance to be the cup hero but when his kick went wide the Newent party started.

“Drybrook had the upper hand in the first half,” said Newent head coach Andy Addis after the game, “but our boys dug deep in the second half. I think they woke up.

“Drybrook played well. They are a good team and they put their heart and soul into it.

“We just managed to find that little bit extra. It was a typical local derby but it was played in a good spirit.

“We’ve got a few aching bodies but the boys are knee deep in lager and cider now so they’re happy.”

Drybrook led 14-6 at half-time thanks to a try by back row Sam Peaper and three Stephenson penalties.

Newent had only two Tom Webb penalties to show for their efforts in the opening 40 minutes but an opportunist try by Ross Webb gave them hope and an excellent touchdown by Will Mansfield, backed up by two conversions and a penalty by Tom Webb, saw them go into a nine-point lead before the dramatic finale.

Newent team manager John Moore, who is also the club’s chairman, said: “It’s a magnificent achievement. We were the cup holders having won it for the first time last year and I can’t speak highly enough of all the players and coaching staff. It’s fantastic.”

Drybrook chairman Paul Mason said: “In the end it came down to just one kick. It was very very close.”

There has been nothing between the teams this season.

They finished level on points in South West One West - 78 - with Drybrook finishing third because they had 16 wins to Newent’s 15. Newent finished fifth with the two teams being split by Matson.

The head-to-heads ended with honours even with Drybrook making home advantage count when they won 21-17 on December 10th and Newent gaining revenge on April 8th when they recorded a 22-12 victory.

Other result - Forest of Dean Combination Junior Cup: Drybrook Utd 10 Cinderford Stags 20.