Longlevens RFC captain Tom Griffiths dedicated the club’s Papa Johns Community Cup success to double centurion and Twickenham try-scorer Steve Phillips.
The Gloucester side shone bright in the south-west London sun, sweeping Widnes aside for a 25-19 victory in the Counties 1 Championship final.
Cup glory capped a perfect season for Griffiths’ side, who backed up their league promotion with a memorable cup triumph at the home of rugby.
“It’s pretty special to be honest, something we’ve been building towards all season, we’re an incredibly tight group of boys, most people at the club have played since they were seven or eight years old and come through all the junior age groups” said Griffiths.
“There were times when we doubted ourselves this season but getting there in the end is a surreal feeling to finish that off with a last dance.
“Special mention to our No.8 Steve Phillips playing his 200th game for the day, it’s a special day for him and I’m glad we could get a win for that.
“He battled over, he’s a big bit of kit to stop and he’s been awesome this year, so we’ll enjoy tonight and I think we’ve earned a bit of time off.”
Centre James Butler got Longlevens off to a flier before Matt Smith tore a hole in the Widnes defence to score a second try at the midway point of the half.
After weathering the initial Longlevens onslaught, Widnes grew into the game and were on the board when prop Matt Lawton burrowed over.
Back came Longlevens and they restored a two-score cushion when Phillips crashed over in the corner before Brad Wilkins kicked a penalty to push the Gloucester side 20-7 in front with the last act of the first half.
Tom Barton’s late try sealed a deserved victory for Longlevens, though there was still time for a consolation at the death from Widnes’ Allan Breeden.
“Credit to Widnes, they threw everything at us,” Griffiths said. “They were a very good team, held the ball well and were very physical.
“They should hold their heads up high, we got the better of them today but that could have gone either way and we wish them the best of luck next season.”
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.
“When you peak at a final like that it’s almost written in the stars so we couldn’t be happier with how it’s all gone,” added Griffiths.
“We’ll enjoy our celebrations and remember what’s been an awesome season.”
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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