Thurrock 2nd XV captain Holly Edgeway was lost for words after her side completed an unbeaten season with victory on Papa Johns Community Cup finals day.

The Essex outfit powered past Sheffield Tigers 36-14 to claim the Women’s Junior Cup at a sun-drenched Twickenham Stadium.

Thurrock’s 1st XV were unable to complete a club double, going down to Cheltenham Tigers in the Women’s Championship Playoff, but Edgeway reflected proudly on a momentous day for the club.

“We’re absolutely ecstatic, it’s an absolute privilege to come to Twickenham and play a game,” said Edgeway.

“Now that we’ve won, we’ve had a whole season unbeaten, so it’s something really incredible for the team and I’m super proud of them.

“I’ve been coming here for so many years and to actually get to play on that pitch, words can’t really describe how happy I am.”

Thurrock came racing out the blocks and were ahead after just two minutes through prop Rosie Bennett.

A double from Ella Loveridge and a well-worked try from Devon Johnson put Thurrock in control, and they made sure of victory with late tries from Elsie Burns and Tashana Goode.  

“We really pride ourselves on our attack but especially our defence and even though it was tiring and really hot, we get off that line and make sure we make those big tackles and it can win you games,” said Edgeway.

“Teams don’t really like to play us but we keep doing what we’re doing, stick to the basics and that’s how we got here.”

Later at home of rugby, the 1st XV went down 42-10 to Cheltenham Tigers in the Women’s Championship Playoff.

Skipper Samantha Willmott lauded the 2nd XV for their efforts, while admitting her side were short of their best.  

“We have always dreamed of having both teams at Twickenham,” she said.

“We didn't play our best, there were times we were doing things we shouldn't be doing, so we have got to take it on the chin.

We felt like we’d had nearly a month off not playing a game and it is hard to get it back into the rhythm, so it is a well-deserved win for Cheltenham – they had a cracking game and we didn't step up to it.”

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.

Willmott added: “Whether we win or lose it is nice that we got here, it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

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