OLD Techs’ Shaun Bedford-Smith felt his team’s dramatic Ellis Trophy win on Monday was a fitting reward for the players’ efforts this season.

Techs lifted the trophy after beating Devonport Services III 35-34 thanks to a try with the last play of the game, which came 12 minutes into added-on time.

Two years ago, Old Techs lost the same final 20-19 to a strong Plymstock Oaks II side, who kicked a last-gasp penalty to seal the win.

This time it was Techs, who for the second year running secured a top four finish in Devon South & West, that enjoyed the most dramatic of wins.

“Two years ago, we lost by a point, but this time we win by a point,” said Bedford-Smith. “It is swings and roundabouts.

“Even when we were up close (to the line at the end), I was thinking that they might just keep us out, but, fair play, it was a really good, well-worked try. And you can’t win any better than that, can you?”

He added: “I was chuffed to bits for the lads.

“There was pressure as it was a cup final and we did make some uncharacteristic mistakes.

“I just said at half-time, there is only a couple of points in it, let’s just turn up second half and give it a go.

“We made it hard for ourselves, but I am proud and really happy for the players as they deserved it as they have worked really hard this year.

“Devonport Services III were a great side. They had some really good runners out there. We were standing off them a bit and we probably should have got up on them a bit quicker, but it was a great game.”