Click on Play to see Advertiser & Review photographer Jake McNulty's photo slideshow of images from the match

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Click here to read a report on Buckingham's 12-10 victory over Daventry in the Lewis Shield semi-final on Sunday (06/04)

In what turned out to be a final dominated by two strong defences, Buckingham won the County Shield for the first time ever last Saturday by four penalty goals to a try.

In the early stages of the game Buckingham had several opportunites to score tries, but a series of bad passes and poor handling let them down. Graham Kemp and Ben Wallis both perfomed well in the line-outs while the front row of Murray Bateman, Seth Williams and Ed Caulfield were solid in the set pieces.

Sam Laird had an outstanding game in the back row alongside Tom Amos and Mark Boobier.

In the backs, everyone defended brilliantly with Henry Colver putting in some fearsome tackles against bigger opponents and Andy Turvey's taking of the high balls was faultless.

The game began with a deep kick into Phoenix territory and they were immediately penalised for handling on the ground, Colver's successful kick giving Buckingham a 3-0 lead after only two minutes of play.

The visitors came back strongly however with their outside-half and inside centre both making powerful runs and looking extremely dangerous.

Buckingham's defence held together well however, and a series of attacks kept Phoenix on the back foot. Midway throught the half another well struck penalty by Colver stretched the lead to 6-0.

Buckingham seemed well on top after that but a solid defence held out and the interval arrived with no further score.

The second period began with Buckingham once again on the attack.

A long run and kick ahead by Ed Abbott took play into the Phoenix 22-metre area, but although several promising moves took place some poor passing and handling let the vistors off the hook.

After 18 minutes another Colver penalty stretched the lead, but Phoenix hit back almost immediately.

A break across the field by their full-back was carried on by their wing forwards who sucked in the defence before some slick handling saw them score wide out.

The conversion attempt was missed but the score had been pulled back to 9-5 with 15 minutes still remaining.

The Buckingham line never looked in danger again however, as some tremendous driving runs by Andy Thompson and Johnny Phipps kept play concentrated in their opponents half.

Frustration led to more indiscipline and a penalty close to the posts saw Colver comfortably slot the kick over, the final whistle sounding a few minutes later.

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