It will be the club’s third successive RFU final appearance after back-to-back victories at Twickenham in the now defunct Papa John’s Cup competition over Wigan and Smiths Rugby.

Now, the Blue and Gold have their sights set on completing what would be a record-breaking hat-trick of final victories.

They face a strong Midsomer Norton side who finished this season's league campaign third in Counties One Tribute Ale Western North with 15 victories from their 22 games.

After four walkover victories in the early rounds of the Counties One South Plate, Midsomer booked their place at Shaftesbury Park, Bristol, home of National One side Dings Crusaders RFC, with an impressive 38-22 semi-final win at Hove. Interestingly, in the previous round Hove had beaten Ashford 24-17, the only club to have beaten OEs in the last two and a half seasons.

OEs Director of Rugby Gavin Lach has warned his side to expect their toughest final test of the three so far. “Midsomer are clearly a strong, well-organised side,” he said. “To win on the road in this competition is very difficult, as we know. So to win well at Hove which is a tough place to go, was a really impressive result.

“We’re expecting a massive challenge on Saturday (May 16). The final is just down the road from them as well, so they are going to bring a lot of support and it’s going to create a great atmosphere. But we know what we’ve got to do - it’s about sticking to the game plan and keeping our discipline.”

Regardless of the result, Lach admits tomorrow is the culmination of a pivotal three-year period in the club's history. "I’m immensely proud of what we’ve achieved here in the last three years since the senior club, to all intents and purposes, folded,” he said. “Three successive league titles and three successive national finals in that time has exceeded even our wildest expectations.

"That's massive credit to the players, many of whom have come back having turned down other clubs in higher leagues to help rebuild Elthamians and bought into what I was trying to achieve; the coaches, who have all been outstanding, the committee and our loyal band of supporters and volunteers. And special thanks to our main sponsor Russ Pooley at ASG Stone.

"They all refused to give up on the club in the dark times. I wanted to pay tribute to them all because everyone’s pulled together to put this club back on the map and we are in that final tomorrow because of their hard work. It’s as simple as that."

Lach added: “It will be the end of the road for some tomorrow as people retire, move on etc, so hopefully we can perform and give ourselves a chance to lift another trophy and give them the send-off they deserve. Whatever happens, the club is in a really good place as it begins a new chapter next season. Now we have one last dance to attend to finish the season in style."

Midsomer Norton v Old Elthamians takes place at Shaftesbury Park, Bristol BS16 1LG
Kick-of 3pm