PANGBOURNE College’s 1st XV produced their best performance of the season so far to triumph in the Area Cup final, cantering to a 45-10 victory over LVS Ascot.

Playing in bitterly cold conditions under floodlights at Maidenhead RFC, outside centre Nick Riley took Pangbourne into an early lead with two well-taken penalties, before Ascot responded with a try to bring the scores within a point.

Pangbourne were the more dangerous side in a back-and-forth first half and soon extended their lead with tries coming from flanker Edward Farish and scrum half Dan Simmons.

Despite dominating, a momentary lapse on the stroke of half time led to an Ascot try and the teams went in 20-10 at the interval.

Shortly after the break, Simmons, who put in an excellent all-round performance throughout, produced the moment of the game.

Picking up an Ascot kick just inside his own half, the No. 9 broke several tackles in a mazy run, exchanged passes with a supporting teammate, before driving over the line.

This set the tone for a comprehensive second-half display which saw tries from Ben Knight and two from substitute Hamish Owen propel Pangbourne to a 45-10 victory.

Coach Roger Cheesean said: "This is a very worthwhile victory for them and it’s great for the school.”