IT may be only their first season but Bath and Wiltshire Romans have completed an impressive cup double.

Having already secured the inaugural West of England Challenge Cup and finished top of the West of England League, Bristol Sonics stood in their way in the play-off Grand Final.

Despite a slow start, the Romans were able to pull themselves back into the game to complete a narrow 34-30 win over their close rivals.

“We gave ourselves a mountain to climb after going 20-4 down but we showed character and mental toughness to come back and win the fixture without playing our best,” said team manager Chris Chatten.

“Hopefully, this sort of game will help us prepare for what is to come in the Harry Jepson competition.”

The Romans started the game badly, going down 10-0 before they could get on the scoreboard themselves via some fast hands to wing Matty James to cross out wide.

Sonics then built up a 16-point lead before Jimmy Godfrey managed to sneak over for an unconverted try before half-time.

After the break, hooker Tom Plance was first to go over for an unconverted try, before Mike Harrison found a gap to go over. Huw Parks added the extras to bring the Romans within two points of the Sonics at 20-18.

Sonics hooker Jack Uren was able to give his side some breathing space before Romans captain Paul Riley steamed under the sticks.

The Romans were again only two behind at 26-24 before Parks finished off a 70m break on the way to the line, but failed to convert.

Fijian centre Bruce Vuetanatotoka then sealed the victory by going over from 10 metres out.