Tighthead prop Craig Voisey ended his playing career in style as Stow-on-the-Wold claimed the Cheltenham Combination Senior Cup with a super show.

They ran in six tries in the 41-0 win over Old Patesians and although Voysey was not among the scorers, it was still a great way for him to sign off.

“He’s a top bloke and a top player,” said head coach Matt Carter. “He’s been sensational in the three years I’ve been at the club.

“He’s got great experience, he’s played for England Counties, Rotherham and Moseley. He’s a leader, he’s inspirational, he works hard, he just gets on with it.”

Voisey, a former club captain who joined the club in 2019, is retiring at the age of 36 after three radial fractures in his arm finally caught up with him.

Meanwhile, Craig Chapman was a two-try hero for Stow against Old Pats and there was one try apiece for Will Debenham, Gus Hayward, Ben Canning and Toby Stayt.

Tom Eddolls kicked four of the conversions and also slotted a penalty.

It was the perfect finale to what has been a remarkable season for Stow’s flagship team, a season that has also seen them clinch the Southern Counties North title.

“It’s been unbelievable, especially when you consider where we were a few years ago,” said club secretary Wayne Loxton.

And the United side have enjoyed a very good season too, finishing second in Berks/Bucks & Oxon 3 North and reaching the final of the Cheltenham Combination Junior Cup where they were narrowly beaten by Cheltenham Tigers 2nds.

The United’s second-placed league finish was good enough to secure promotion – they may switch across to the Gloucestershire leagues in 2022/23 – and Loxton added: “Two promotions and two cup finals, we’ve had an incredible season.”

Cheltenham North played host to both cup finals on a day which saw Cheltenham Tigers 3rds kick off proceedings by beating Norton 2nds in the Minor Shield final.

Results
Senior Cup: Stow-on-the-Wold 41 Old Patesians 0.
Junior Cup: Cheltenham Tigers 2nds 34 Stow-on-the-Wold United 30.
Minor Shield: Norton 2nds 25 Cheltenham Tigers 3rds 44.