ASTON Old Edwardians retained the North Midlands Cup with a 12-9 win over Malvern Rugby Club in the final at Dudley Kingswinford's Heathbrook ground.

The game was a repeat of the 2002 final which was won by Malvern, but on this occasion Aston's pack took control and set up a narrow victory.

There were no tries in the game but several near misses and Malvern required a stunning tackle from full-back Andy Longley to deny Aston's Greater Birmingham winger Simon Lowe what appeared a certain score.

Longley contributed all of Malvern's points with three penalties, two in the first half.

Centre Blake Bennett kicked three penalties for Aston including the deciding score which came three minutes from time. Their other points came from a drop goal from fly-half Barry Maksymczuk.

"We deserved the win because our forwards were superb and we dominated up front," said Aston's delighted coach Ian Ferguson.

"We had chances to score the only try of the game on three occasions but Malvern's defence was sound.

"But we were the only side that really looked like scoring a try and it was great effort to come here and defend the title."