In spite of concerns about the weather, the decision was taken to go ahead with the tournament. In the group stages holders Millfield and debutants Filton College showed good form, as did Llandovery and Plymouth. The hosts won their group on points difference, having beaten Arnold School convincingly in their second match.

With the weather deteriorating, the decision was taken to abandon the Plate competition and concentrate on the Cup.

The home side hit form beating Barnard Castle 12-0, and of the early favourites Plymouth went down 15-19 to Christ’s College, Brecon.As the rain continued to fall the nature of the games changed with territory becoming ever more important; tries scored from distance were few and far between.

The quarter-finals all went according to the form book: Filton beat Hereford 3 tries to 2, Llandovery and Millfield both won comfortably, but St Edward’s needed extra-time to beat Brecon.In two one-sided semi-finals Filton beat St Edwards 22-0 and Llandovery beat Millfield 26-10.

In driving rain Filton took an early lead but Llandovery fought back to level the scores just before half-time. Two scores, mid way through the second period, gave Llandovery a decisive lead. A fourth try from a fine handling move, that defied the conditions, sealed the win 22-5. Giving Llandovery their third Marches title, and first for 10 years.