A 9-3 loss to Meden Vale on Sunday ended Worksop II's run in the Notts Vase at the final hurdle.

Worksop were full of confidence following their decisive victory over local rivals East Retford in the semi-final.

It was a glorious day at Mellish Rugby Club on Sunday but it wasn't ideal weather for rugby.

As the morning wore on the temperature climbed.

This was always going to be a critical factor for the heavy Worksop pack.

Worksop won the toss and elected to receive the ball.

Their confidence showed as they drove into Meden Vale's half and kept the pressure there.

Unfortunately, Worksop just couldn't convert this pressure into points.

Meden Vale eventually came away with the ball but were stopped by good tackling from Worksop's backs.

At a subsequent ruck Worksop were judged to be offside. Vale chose to kick the penalty and opened the scoring.

Worksop went on the attack again and managed a penalty of their own to level the score 3-3.

The rising temperatures were having their effect on both teams as it sapped their energy and the referee did allow a water break.

The second half began with both teams making a couple of replacements but the sun had certainly slowed the pace of the play.

Meden Vale got a penalty just inside the Worksop half. Again they chose to kick but it just fell short.

Both sides tried to make breaks but great tackling from each side saw the breaks come to nothing.

Meden Vale were awarded two more penalties just inside Worksop's half and both these made it over.

Worksop, desperate to claw back the six-point lead, put everything into their game.

For much of the last 15 minutes Worksop seemed to be camped in the Vale half.

Meden Vale gave away penalty after penalty but Worksop knew they must score a try and had to run the ball each time.

Vale managed to defend their line well and when they eventually won the ball back they kicked clear to finish the game.

It was bitter disappointment for Worksop as they did appear to be the better team but couldn't get the points on the board.