And appropriately too, it took a thriller - and ultimately a penalty goal shoot out - to separate them.

In the end, it was Tichborne Tigers who emerged victorious, ending Rovers attempt at a three-peat.

Tigers and Rovers held a 2 to 1 win ratio, with a draw the other result before Sunday’s clash.

With a large crowd on hand this game offered so much and both teams supplied the best contest all year, treating the crowd to attacking football and strong defence, making it a real arm wrestle.

Both sides had chances to open the scoring but at half time it was square at nil all.

The half time talk was positive, emphasising that there was only 45 minutes left and the game was there for the taking.

The second half started in bright sunshine with Alec Bateson, Matt Swindle, Scott Cusack and Steven Bateson trying to take control of the mid-field and give the forwards more room to attack.

With Justin Ward putting pressure on the defence, Mitch Hutchings picked up a loose pass crossed it to Justin Gibson who turned in then out he loaded the left foot and found the net. From the kick off the Tigers pushed forward and Justin Gibson put his body on the line, the rebound went down field hit the corner post and stopped in the field of play. Justin Gibson crossed the ball to a diving Justin Ward to head what looked sure to be the 2nd goal only to have Rovers keeper Brad Parker make a brilliant save. The heavens then opened and the game changed with the wet ground the ball sliding and the defence was put under pressure. Both sides using their interchange. It was Shaun Bateson who played a brilliant through ball only for Justin Ward to put his shot over the top. Ray James found himself outside and around the Tigers defence and his cross put keeper Grant Townley under pressure, he got a hand to it but only pushed it onto the post and into the net. 1 all game on. Both teams pushed hard with Luke Swindle, Brett Hutchings, Scott Baker and Ben Dawson holding firm the whistle went 1 all Full-time.