NORTH Bristol’s dream of a Twickenham final ended as they ran into a very professional East Grinstead team packed full of imports, including four New Zealanders.

However, there were no complaints from the away side as East Grinstead’s pace, power and fitness were evident throughout the game and they fully deserved their victory.

North Bristol have not faced a side this useful since playing Hartpury College, who are now plying their trade in National League Two South, and East Grinstead will surely follow them up the league pyramid if their players all stay at the club.

Supporters packed the touchlines before the start of the game and North were cheered on by about 80 of their own fans.

East Grinstead started quickly and within six minutes they led 14-0 after tries by Walter Downey and Adrian Hogben were converted by Rick McKenna and North had barely touched the ball.

They regrouped and, led by inspirational skipper Ross Wilson who battled supremely all afternoon, they put the home side under pressure and a charge-down kick led to a penalty chance for Martin Lambourne.

The ace goal kicker connected from 40 metres and North were on the board after ten minutes.

East Grinstead increased their lead after 14 minutes with their third try from New Zealand under-20s fly half McKenna, who then added two penalties to give them a lead of 25-3 at the break.

North’s first up tackles were superb on the day, led by John Wood, Chris Underwood, Nigel Smith and Jonny Gait, but after a number of quick phases East Grinstead exploited the space ruthlessly to run in five further second half tries.

Richard Tredgett, McKenna, Sam Hampson, Marcus Hughes and Josh Hunt crossed the line, with McKenna adding another four conversions.

Against an avalanche of attacking play from the home side wingers Mike Lewis and Martin Harrex impressed for North with their defence and covering back to deny East Grinstead further chances.

As the final whistle blew the home side celebrated whilst North Bristol’s brave battlers trudged off massively disappointed.

However, there was no disgrace in Wilson’s side losing heavily to a team packed full of good players and they could feel proud of the fight that they put up and how far they had come in this competition.

East Grinstead will take on Yorkshire side Ilkely in the final.

North Bristol scorers: Penalty – Martin Lambourne.