The victory in the Papa Johns Community Cup at Twickenham has been described as the pinnacle of an exceptional season by Southend Saxons’ Director of Rugby, Josh Ward. The team, with over 550 travelling fans in attendance, put on an impressive display, clinching the Regional 2 Championship trophy with a 35-26 win over Northampton Old Scouts. This victory marks the end of an outstanding season in which the team achieved a quadruple success.
Ward expressed his elation with the win, stating, “It’s going to take some time to sink in. This is our fourth trophy this season, it’s just been incredible. We’ve got such a special group of players and staff.”
Despite a slow start, Southend took the lead with a first-half double from Tom Sly and an early score from hooker John Kenward. Northampton Old Scouts did manage to respond with tries from lock Jack Evans and hooker Bobby Bland, but Southend maintained their advantage.
In the latter part of the game, a try from George Barrett and prop Matt Meek reduced the deficit for Northampton, but Southend’s Harry Branch secured a crucial team try. With a penalty kick from Ben Lloyd, Southend sealed the win, sparking celebrations among the Saxons.
Reflecting on the match, Ward noted, “We managed the second half well, played in better areas and showed great resilience to keep them out.”
The Papa Johns Community Cup has been a year-long celebration of community rugby, allowing clubs to compete against different opponents and visit new locations. The competition has reignited local rivalries and created lasting memories for all involved.
Expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to participate in a national competition, Ward added, “For Papa Johns to give us an opportunity to play at Twickenham is a massive carrot and I’m so pleased for everyone.”
The success at Twickenham marks a significant achievement for the Southend Saxons and reaffirms their status as a dominant force in regional rugby. Their remarkable quadruple-winning season is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the players and staff.
For a comprehensive overview of the Papa Johns Community Cup Final and to watch the games, follow @RFU on X or search for #PapaJohnsCommunityCup to relive the action.
With this victory, Southend Saxons have firmly etched their name in the annals of community rugby, and their triumph at Twickenham will be remembered as a defining moment in their illustrious history.