Fullerians’ dreams of ending the season with silverware were dashed as they suffered a narrow 8-3 defeat to Bishops Stortford Blues in the Herts Presidents Cup final.

Rich Hoskins’ side gave a good account of themselves against a side competing some three divisions above them.

The Fullers boss was left to regret missed chances, but believes the foundations are well in place for a productive campaign next season.

“In sport you have to take your chances and we had six or seven of them and we took one,” Hoskins said.

“They had three or four and converted two of them. Having said that we played some good rugby and defended well.

“We have built on last season and we will keep learning and progressing as a group.”

Fullers started well in the final at Saracens’ Allianz Park and forced an early chance to take the lead as they caught Stortford offside to win a penalty.

They failed to make the most of the opportunity as the kick went wide but soon had a second shot at goal.

Once again the radar was off and the effort came back off the post to let Stortford off the hook for a second time.

Fullers were keeping their opposition camped in their defensive 22 and passed up a fine opening to score the game’s first try.

Craig South broke the lines with some strong running and with just the full-back to beat looked to pass out wide.

However, his ball into the galloping Fullers winger was misplaced and went out of play to let the Blues off the hook.

A tight game remained scoreless at the break, but Fullerians had the better of the first half and were the happier side going into the second.

A breakthrough finally arrived after more pressure from Fullers earned a penalty in the Blues 22 and on this occasion it was dispatched by Luke Jacobs to make it 3-0.

The opening score seemed to bring the best out of Blues and they almost crashed over, only to be denied by a strong tackle from Sam Shannon-Tinsley, But, after Fullers had been caught going over the top of a ruck, the Blues levelled the scores with a penalty.

The game’s decisive score arrived soon after as Stortford kicked for the corner from a penalty to win a line-out within touching distance of the line.

A clean take allowed them to set up a maul and drive over to go ahead for the first time in the game.

They couldn’t extend their advantage as the conversion attempt drifted wide of the target, but the only try of the contest would prove to be the winner.

Fullers had 13 minutes to turn the tide back in their favour and carried the ball well to set up camp in the Stortford 22.

South was continuing to have a telling impact on the game and took the fight to the Stortford defence whenever possible.

His and the efforts of the rest of the Fullers team would go unrewarded though, and the Blues’ resolute defensive unit stood firm until the close to take the trophy home.

Fullers can, nonetheless, reflect on a productive season which has seen them compete on two fronts.

As well as their fine run to the final of the Presidents Cup, Fullerians secured a ninth-place finish in the London One North Division table.