SOLIHULL, who beat Luctonians in the semi-finals, lifted the North Midlands Cup for the first time with a deserved 27-3 win over 2002 winners Malvern in the final at Stourbridge's Stourton Park ground.

The victory continued Solihull's remarkable rise since they were reformed and followed their success in winning the North Midlands Shield at Stourbridge only two years ago.

Solihull's experienced pack mastered the atrocious weather conditions better than Malvern and they were rewarded for playing a sensible wet weather game with the only tries of the match.

Experienced lock Rob Bastock, one of several former Pertemps Bees players in the Solihull side, and prop Roy Davies crossed before the break for tries that were improved by scrum-half Aaron Higgins, a Greater Birmingham county player.

Malvern replied with a penalty from fly-half Ryan Watkins but they were frustrated by the organisation of Solihull's pack who laid the foundations for a victory which followed a league win in Midlands Two West earlier in the season.

Higgins landed two second-half penalties and he also improved a penalty try awarded when Solihull winger Luke Smith was bumped off the ball as he chased up a kick through.

Solihull's win means that they will now represent North Midlands in the EDF National Trophy next season, qualifying for the event for the first time.