Sudbrook CC A 3 – Underwood SC A 0

STRIKER Rob Thorn hit a second-half hat-trick to beat Underwood in the Gill Cup Final and keep Sudbrook on target for treble success last Friday.

The top two East Gwent Senior League sides met for the second time in less than a week following their scoreless draw which clinched the Division 1 title for the cricket club.

In the first half, played at Caldicot Town's ground, there were chances for both sides but once again, neither team could make the breakthrough.

However, Sudbrook manager Daryl Cann made changes at the break and reaped the benefits.

"The first half was always going to be a nervy one – just like the league game," he said.

"Both teams looked nervous and at half time I told them they were playing too deep – we needed to take the game to Underwood and force the errors instead of sitting back.

"The boys followed the instructions to the letter and bringing on Oli Mottram for the second half made a massive difference.

"Underwood couldn't handle his energy and when we sent on Richard Lund for the last 35 minutes, he also made an impact – running at them at every opportunity.

"Our keeper Steve Hepple pulled off a brilliant block to deny Underwood.

"Rob Thorn fully deserved the man of the match award – putting three past Underwood is quality but to do it at a cup final shows how good he is."

Underwood boss Sean Johnson said he thought his team had dominated the first half but had been unable to make it count.

"I thought we were unlucky not to go into the break at least a goal in front," he said.

"Tom Turner worked really hard upfront and could have scored a few.

"I knew the first goal would be crucial and Sudbrook made the break against the run of play.

"The scoreline flattered them but we had to chase the game which left us exposed.

"Finishing the season without silverware is hard to take but we still have our unbeaten record in the league to play for."

Rob Thorn's hat-trick put him level on 42 goals with Tintern Abbey striker Geraint Reynolds in the race for Division 1's Golden Boot award.

Both men have one game left – Reynolds was expected to play against Underwood A last night (Tuesday) while Thorn will almost certainly play for Sudbrook when they line up against Underwood B in the Benevolent Cup final on May 1st.