Pictures: Victorious Preston Lodge toast title triumph

Preston Lodge 33

PRESTON Lodge finally got their hands on the National League Division Three trophy after coming from behind to defeat Dumfries Saints.

The Pennypit men had already clinched the league title before they made the trip to Dumfries on Saturday.

Victory over Orkney earlier this month had sealed the league title but Preston Lodge were still determined to finish the campaign in style in the south-west.

In challenging conditions, it was the hosts who took an early lead with a try on just two minutes.

The conversion was unsuccessful and Preston Lodge soon fought their way back into the contest.

Mark Steedman, head coach at Preston Lodge RFC, with the National League Division Three trophy

Pete Johnstone scored the visitors’ first try of the game, touching down under the posts, and Fraser Falgate was on target to put PL 7-5 in front after 11 minutes.

That advantage was extended just over five minutes later.

A catch and drive set up an excellent attacking position and the ball was worked to Finlay Hughes, who got his name on the scoreboard.

Again, Falgate was on target with the conversion and PL now had a lead that they would never relinquish.

There was still time for one more try before the break and that came from Jack Pollard. Scott Clark broke through the lines and offloaded the ball to Josh O’Brien, who found Pollard to touch down.

Falgate’s conversion meant that Preston Lodge were 21-5 up at the interval.

Preston Lodge RFC received the National League Division Three trophy after defeating Dumfries Saints in horrible conditions

Only four minutes of the second half had been played when Preston Lodge extended their advantage further.

Clark was again involved and he found Hughes in plenty of space as he dotted down in the corner.

The conversion was off target but PL still held a 26-5 lead.

Travelling fans did not have long to wait for the visitors to add to their tally.

The National League Division Three trophy alongside a memorial to Tam Jardine at Preston Lodge RFC's clubhouse

This time, it was Blair Robertson who charged over to score and Falgate added the conversion to make it 33-5 with still half an hour to be played.

There would only be one more score and that came for the home side. A try under the posts was converted to make the final score 33-12 in favour of Preston Lodge, who were presented with the trophy.

The side can look forward to life back in National League Division Two after winning promotion 12 months after they were relegated.