Southend Saxons director of rugby Josh Ward hailed his side’s Papa Johns Community Cup success at Twickenham as the highlight of an extraordinary quadruple-winning season.
The seasiders delivered a spectacular display at the home of rugby to claim the Regional 2 Championship trophy with a 35-26 victory over Northampton Old Scouts.
Ward’s side were cheered on by some 550 travelling fans and delivered a performance to savour to round off an unforgettable season.
“It’s going to take some time to sink in,” said Ward.
“This is our fourth trophy this season, it’s just been incredible. We’ve got such a special group of players and staff.
“This was all going to be a big occasion, for many once in a lifetime. We were slow out the blocks but our maturity and the way we managed the game, and some of the tries we scored, were outstanding.
“We’re not going to beat this and I’m so pleased for our supporters who have followed us all season and I’m incredibly proud to be a part of this group.”
Tom Sly’s first-half double put Southend in the driving seat after hooker John Kenward had opened the scoring inside five minutes.
Northampton did have their moments and struck on two occasions through lock Jack Evans and hooker Bobby Bland.
Keeping on top 🔝
— Rugby Football Union (@RFU) May 11, 2024
This time it's Tyler Mills that dots down for @SouthendSaxons after another flowing move 👌#PapaJohnsCommunityCup | @PapaJohnsUK
The Southend lead was cut to just six points with 15 minutes to go after a sublime score from George Barrett and well-worked try for prop Matt Meek either side of a wonderful team try for Southend’s Harry Branch.
Ben Lloyd kicked a penalty to push the lead to beyond a score and that was how it finished, with the final whistle kickstarting the Saxons party.
“I thought they won the collisions, especially in that first quarter,” said Ward.
“We regrouped at half time, we were pretty honest with ourselves but we weren’t hitting out straps and that energised us.
“We managed the second half well, played in better areas and showed great resilience to keep them out.”
A year-long celebration of community rugby, the Papa Johns Community Cup has enabled clubs to play different opposition and visit new places, while others reignited old local rivalries, all making plenty of memories along the way.
Finals weekend witnessed non-stop action across the country with more matches being held at Sixways Stadium, Shaftesbury Park and Darlington Mowden Park.
“It’s great to be part of a national competition,” added Ward.
“When the fixtures and the pools were released it gave everyone at the club a real incentive to buy in and have a real crack.
“For Papa Johns to give us an opportunity to play at Twickenham is a massive carrot and I’m so pleased for everyone.”
For a round up of all the Papa Johns Community Cup Final action and to watch the games back follow @RFU on X or search for #PapaJohnsCommunityCup
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