Rugby held on for a draw against St Pat’s Old Boys in the weekend’s rain-interrupted grand final at the Sportsground, winning the title courtesy of being first team through to the decider.

The covers went on the pitch twice during Rugby’s pursuit of the 190 target on Sunday afternoon and it left them unable to match the Saints’ score.

Instead the men in blue and gold had to bat for the draw – and they came close to crumbling under pressure.

Once Ryan Peacock (52) and Jameel Qureshi’s (20) 42-run stand was broken Pat’s started to build momentum.

Saints paceman Ben Parsons (5-28) tore through the Rugby lower order during the final session, claiming four wickets in the space of 12 deliveries.

Rugby made it to the 6pm close of play at 9-138, battered but not beaten.

“We’re ecstatic. It should never have got to nine down. We’ll take the win, celebrate hard, and it’s a really proud moment for our club,” Rugby captain Sam Macpherson said.

“It’s really special for blokes like Alby [Chris Albon]. He was playing first grade before I was born. He deserves it more than anyone.

“We didn’t field too well on day one but in the morning of the second day we put it all together. With the bat, Imran [Qureshi] and Alby batting an hour before lunch set us up well and got the ball old.”

Pat’s captain Adam Ryan said his side will learn a lot from the grand final experience.

“I’m really proud of the efforts from our boys today. We couldn’t have tried any harder,” he said.

“You can’t script a better grand final. We’re on the losing side of it but I feel like were a winner as a club. For a club that had little finals experience, to go that close I’m pretty happy.

“We’ve got five guys 17 and under and only three above 20. Looking to the future, I can’t wait.”

Pat’s won the toss on Saturday and chose to bat.

Ryan’s strong run of batting form continued into the grand final.

He came into the match with the team in an uneasy position of 4-69 but his score of 56 guided the Saints into triple figures.

Bailey Brien (38) played a strong supporting role to put on 75 runs alongside his captain.

Parsons (21) and Tanvir Singh (18) ensured the lower order wouldn’t leave without doing damage.

Luke Powell (5-44) was the best bowler for Rugby.

Imran Qureshi (18) and Albon (10) made a steady start with the bat for Rugby.

Peacock kept the scoreboard ticking over with a wide array of strokes and kept the possibility of chasing the Saints total alive.

It took a superb Ryan direct hit run out to stop Peacock’s damage.

When Macpherson (18) and Jameel Qureshi fell – leaving the score at 6-132 – the Saints had a win in their sights.

Scott Johnston (0), Jeremy Thackray (0) and Luke Powell (0) all feel victim to an onslaught of Parsons pace.

Ben Hurford (10 not out) was almost caught twice but survived to the finish alongside Aidan McBurney (0 not out), who had to see out the final two balls.