BEN Smithard’s hat-trick paved the way for Lytchett Minster to record a memorable 27-12 Dorset & Wilts Senior Plate final victory over Amesbury.

Success at North Dorset's Slaughtergate headquarters marked head coach Rob Ansell’s first trophy since taking charge of the Dorset & Wilts Two South side.

The first quarter of the game was played at a frantic pace with both teams struggling in poor conditions.

That did however give Lytchett’s pack a chance to claim dominance at the scrum.

The first try of the game came off the back of a five-metre scrum, where number eight Smithard was able to touch down following a powerful shove from the Lytchett forwards.

But Amesbury, who were unbeaten with seven straight wins in Dorset & Wilts Three North, came back hard and crossed after a slick move through their backs to level up the contest.

From then on the Lytchett forwards, specifically the front row, took firm control and scored three further tries from five-metre scrums.

A penalty try was awarded before Smithard added two more to his tally, completing his hat-trick and a memorable afternoon for the Lytchett Park outfit.

Victory meant Lytchett progressed to the semi-finals of the Southern Counties Junior Vase competition, with a scheduled tie against Berkshire-based opposition due to take place on February 2.