Clydach Wasps lifted the Hay Challenge Cup for the second consecutive time after a dominant 5-1 victory over host club Hay St Mary’s at Forest Road.

The Monmouthshire side, who won the trophy when it was last contested two years ago, took control of the final despite a resilient first-half showing from the Saints, who were missing several key players.

After having an early goal disallowed and seeing multiple chances go begging, the Wasps finally broke the deadlock in the 32nd minute. Matthew Knights met a well-delivered free-kick into the area and headed past Tom Lewis to give Clydach a deserved lead at the break.

Six minutes into the second half, the visitors doubled their advantage when Corey Paton broke through the defence and fired low into the bottom corner. Just four minutes later, Clydach added a third as a deep cross from the left found Rhys Tutton, who volleyed home from close range to put the game firmly in the Wasps’ hands.

Despite the scoreline, Hay St Mary’s continued to battle and were rewarded with the goal of the match on the hour mark. Tom Gardner unleashed a stunning 25-yard strike that rattled in off the underside of the crossbar to reduce the deficit to 3-1.

The Saints pushed to close the gap further, hitting the woodwork twice in quick succession through Albert Wearn and Taylor Maddy, but Clydach soon reasserted their dominance. In the 78th minute, Josh Baynton stepped up to convert from the penalty spot and restore the visitors’ three-goal cushion.

The scoring was completed two minutes from time when a low ball was pulled back into the goalmouth and deflected in off Tristan Platt.

At the final whistle, Clydach captain Ben Sherman was presented with the Hay Challenge Cup by Dan Jones of Hay St Mary’s.