RUGBY fans in Whitchurch were left nursing their broken hearts as England's hopes of World Cup glory were dashed by South Africa.

Whitchurch Rugby Club hosted a big match screening of the final on Saturday morning, complete with open bar and plenty of bacon and sausage baps to go round.

However, the fine fare proved a small consolation to the dozens of fans who arrived to support England, as Eddie Jones' team, including former Bishop Heber pupil Tom Curry in the line-up, were beaten 32-12 by the Springboks.

Whitchurch first XV skipper Jonathan Cope had seen the danger signs early in the second half as England struggled to find the attacking momentum which had carried them to a thrilling victory against New Zealand in the semi-final a week earlier.

Both the Whitchurch first and second teams were without a game at the weekend, which at least provided an opportunity to commiserate and discuss the what-might-have-beens over an extra pint or two.

Jonathan said: "We've got a week off now so we can concentrate on next week's match against Stoke, which is going to be a really tough game."