A formidable St Vincent's claimed rugby's oldest trophy when winning the Hospital's Cup at Anglesea Road last night. The competition, which dates back to 1882, came to a gripping climax with the south Dublin hospital triumphing in the end. The game got off to a rather indifferent start with a penalty from John Philpott giving Beaumont a 3-0 lead at the break.

The tempo quickened shortly after the interval and John Donoghue scored a try for Beaumont after a line-out to extend his side's lead.

Under intense pressure from the St Vincent's pack Beaumont folded and referee Tom McCormack awarded a penalty try for obstruction. Out-half Brian Murphy converted to add to an earlier penalty and St Vincents' domination continued when wing forward Cormac Breathnach used his strength to power his way over on the left. Although a second Philpott penalty provided Beaumont with some hope, time was not on their side.

Beaumont: F Geoghegan; D Roy, C Murphy, A Heffernan, N Jefferson; J Philpott, B Hogan; J McMahon, M Williamson, G Roche-Nagle, J Walsh, J Donoghue, A Irvine, D Broe, K Casey.

St Vincent's: J Stone; P McNally, P O'Brien, O Rigby, D Murphy; B Burns, F McCourt; C Lenehan, K Synnott, M Cox, M Molloy, J Quinlan, N Hughes, C Breathnach, J Quinn. Replacement: R McSweeney for McNally 65 mins.

Referee: T McCormack (Leinster).