BANCROFT were denied a league and cup double by this season’s bogey team, Campion, at the weekend.

The two premier sides of Essex One, who have both secured promotion to London Three North East in recent weeks, clashed for the third time this year in the final of the Essex President’s Shield, with the Bs looking to avenge two previous defeats.

However, despite a spirited performance, Campion prevailed in a nip-and-tuck contest, 22-15, which was played at Eton Manor’s New Wilderness ground.

Campion began well, but it was Bancroft who broke away through James Dempsey to score the first try of the day.

Both sides were going hell for leather in the middle of the park, neither wanting to give an inch, but Campion did manage to take advantage of a quick overlap to take the lead, running in a converted try.

A penalty attempt went begging just before half-time for Bancroft, but the team emerged firing on all cylinders after the break, Charl Dormehl finishing off a neat move after good work from Neil Humphries, which was converted.

Pete Robinson arrowed a kick between the posts to seemingly set the Bs on course for a famous victory. Robinson was yellow carded for a high tackle, Dormehl saw an effort disallowed and skipper Matt Barrett was led off after being knocked out as luck turned against Bancroft.

That opened the door for Campion to burst through, a converted score and a penalty nudging them in front, before another late try on the whistle put the seal on the win.