Wests Warriors centre Barry Dawson-Williams scored a hat trick as his side claimed the 2016 Harry Jepson Trophy after a tough contest at Hemel Stags' Pennine Way Stadium.
The result could have gone either way until the last quarter, but the Warriors, who led 14-10 at half time, dominated the final stages to run out worthy winners.
The final between Acton-based Wests Warriors, in only their third full season, and the 2012 runners-up Northampton Demons, was the first not to feature Harry Jepson as an honoured guest as the great servant to the game sadly passed away last month aged 96 and a minute’s silence was observed before the action got underway.
Wests had started on top and Glenn Brummett went over for the opening try after five minutes, being set up by the industrious David Dyer.
Dawson-Williams then caught the Demons' defence napping for the second try straight from a penalty, but the Midlands Premier side responded with a well-taken score from Alex Stephens.
Danny O'Brien added a penalty for Wests after missing an effort from a similar position less than a minute before, but David Marks plunged over by the posts for Ben Hanger to convert and level the scores at 10-10.
Then, right on half time, Dyer edged Wests in front with a try in the corner.
Try time ðŸ‰ðŸ’ª pic.twitter.com/GVzWmiuSce
— The RFL (@TheRFL) September 17, 2016
The Demons worked hard in the second half but, too often, they let themselves down with errors and ill-discipline and Wests slowly established a control on the game that was to get them the silverware.
Dawson-Williams went over from a well-executed passing move with Max Bracken adding the goal from out wide.
And the centre completed his hat-trick on the hour mark again from a tap penalty that caught the Demons unprepared.
#HarryJepsonTrophy
— The RFL (@TheRFL) September 17, 2016
Under 10 minutes to play here, and @Wests_Warriors look to have this all-but sewn up... pic.twitter.com/wYBr4ORX5j
Brad Aird scored the Warriors' final try with fifteen minutes to go following more excellent work by man of the match Hayden Nancarrow and a superb break from Dawson-Williams.
The Demons battled hard to get at least a consolation score but they found the Warriors' defence in ferocious form as they ensured the Harry Jepson Trophy stayed in London for the fifth year running.
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Northampton Demons
Harry Spears; Patrick Kitson, Lee Melotti, Mitch Stephenson, Alex Stephens; Sam Martindale, Ben Hanger; George Stevens, Thomas Henry, Grant Wond; Tom Bailtey, Tom Kenny; Scott Hankins.
Subs: Ben James, Adam Seamark, David Marks, Michael King.
Scorers:
Tries: Alex Stephens (17), David Marks (32)
Goals: Ben Hanger 1/2
Wests Warriors
David Dyer; Glenn Brummett, Graham Harris, Barry Dawson-Williams, Brad Aird; Max Bracken, Danny O’Brein; Jason Kershaw, Jesse Walker, Brooke Kana; Hayden Nancarrow, Seb Taylor; Vallance Katipa.
Subs: Jamie Diggle, Sam Brown, Richard Thompson, Aaron Gage.
Scorers:
Tries: Glenn Brummett (5), Barry Dawson-Williams (12, 51, 60), David Dyer (38), Brad Aird (65)
Goals: Max Bracken 2 from 6, Danny O’Brien 1 from 2
Man of the Match: Hayden Nancarrow (Wests Warriors)
Referee: Ken Edwards
#HarryJepsonTrophy
— The RFL (@TheRFL) September 17, 2016
A great effort from both teams ðŸ‘ðŸ‘👠pic.twitter.com/bDDOSxb00Z
By Chris Wilson
